ART 263 - The Arts of West and Central Africa (1)

Survey of the visual arts of Africa south of the Sahara based on the cycle of life in Africa. Culture and art objects will be discussed thematically, focusing on issues of birth and abundance, initiations, sexuality and partnership, status and royalty, secret societies, as well as death and the ancestors. Topics discussed will include traditional dress, decorated utensils and weapons, body arts, sculpture, painting, weaving, pottery, and architecture. The emphasis will be placed on the object as an art form and as a conceptual tool to translate socio-political ideas and its central role in colonialism. Elective for Ethnic Studies major. Offered every third year. No alternate grade option. [AH]
(Humanities)