Table of Contents
Male Ancestral Figure for Beembe People, Democratic Republic of Congo. 1900s.
Time Cycle III Skunderboghossian 1981.
“Striking his Head” Triptych. Ethiopia, Mid-seventeenth-early eighteenth centuries.
Married woman’s dress Mfengu, South Africa. Late nineteenth-mid-twentieth century.
Qur’anic Amulet(xirsi), Somali Peoples, Somalia. Eighteenth Century.
Gainesville is home to many opportunities that are connected to the University of Florida Harn Museum’s art collection. The museum has a large collection of African Art that serves as both a beautiful lesson and a representation of the diversity in Gainesville. African art can be as old as 75,000 years. Many types of African Art still have relevance today, and they are great representations for diversity. “Foreign Colonization of sub-Saharan Africa began in 1840 and has since become omnipresent. Many African art was acquired by traders, missionaries and travelers in search of curious ways. “African art history didn’t get the respect and attention that it deserved by colonialists, so they did not preserve or document it.” (Evans). The museum’s strong representation of African art is due to its diversity. Male Ancestral Figurine, Beembe peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo. Twentieth Century. A miniature ancestral figure is created from a wooden shell. “Striking miniature ancestral-effigy figures is one the most prominent art forms that the Beembe people have created in southwestern Congo. According to Harn, the Beembe believe that their ancestors are vital powers and that effigy figurines are a way of channeling this power to their children. The structures of this particular figure are the same as those used by many others from that time. These figures were worshipped by the Beembe and kept close to their hearts. These figures were very important to the Beembes. People were often afraid about their abilities and how they would affect others. Like many others, this one was likely kept in one family. Many wealthy families own their own symbols and use them to protect themselves. African societies loved symbolic figures. There were so many different types, each with its own meaning. Gainesville is filled with many examples and uses for African symbol figures. This is due to the many different African groups that are all part of one group. While there are many people living in Gainesville, all of them fall within the same time cycle, Skunder Bohossian. 1981. This unusual looking piece was found on Skunder’s Uganda trip. The bark was “used locally in burial.” There is a lengthy story attached to this piece. Skunder knew how to artistically treat bark. This was due to the fact that bark is extremely sensitive. The bark cloth depicts mother nature’s beauty, with the figures arranged on it. It also shows volcanoes and mountain formations. This piece gives the viewer a good idea of Skunder’s interests. There are abstract cosmological views. The concentric circle motif in its center is used as a cosmogram across many cultures, including Ethiopian ancient Christianity. It also suggests the design of Ethiopian Christian Orthdox churches, the most important site of Ethiopian spirituality. The lion-like image in the center reinforces the Ethiopian connection. (Harn) This piece should be welcoming and give viewers a feeling of the essence. This piece is unique in its use of materials. It is not very colorful, so it can be difficult to express emotion. Skunder created a feeling of space by using light shifting, shadows and other effects to make something even more. Skunder intended viewers to feel the emotions and the story when they look at the piece. This is not a showpiece, but a relief that tells a story.
“Striking his Head” Triptych. Ethiopia, mid-seventeenth – early eighteenth Century. It is remarkable that the pieces were created at different times by artists from different backgrounds. This piece features many images. The central panel features Christ with his horns. This is the panel that inspired the title of the piece. His head is being struck by the horns. The diverse grouping of artists involved in creating this piece makes it a wonderful representation of diversity. The central panel is influenced strongly by Indian culture. The piece’s five images are connected to one common meaning. Triptychs, a common form of art, are three-part pieces that are separated but held together in a way that allows for the creation of an altarpiece. Numerous triptych paintings have been credited with telling important stories. Robert Campin’s Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece, is one of the most famous altarpieces/ triptych. This triptych features three images of Virgin Mary and Gabriel. Because of the message that the angel had to Mary, this was an important story. She would be the mother to Jesus. People loved the detail of this triptych. People who see triptychs tell stories are drawn to them. Gainesville is a place where diverse art is a common feature. Multicultural groups and individuals represent the diversity of art displayed in the community.
Married woman’s dress Mfengu, South Africa. Late nineteenth-mid-twentieth century.Art can be classified as many things, and a piece does not need to be a painting or a sculpture to be considered as art. Many cultures consider clothing art. Certain clothing is sacred in African art and only those who are able to wear it are considered to be special. This dress serves to indicate the status of a married woman, her wealth, and her ethnicity. It is a way to connect with family members and their ancestors. “Different tribes around the continent pride their national attire, which is used for special occasions and ceremonies.
There are many styles and types of clothes. The type of cloth is an important factor in making the garment. The fabric is often reflective of the society and the status of individuals or group within it.
Sometimes, traditional robes were replaced or influenced as a result of foreign influences like colonial impacts or western popular dressing code.” (Evans). Because of the diversity of each item, clothing is considered art. Many cultures consider clothing items as important in different cultures as the Mfengu South Africans did. This dress has every little detail that is significant to them. All aspects of this dress are important, including the color combinations and the beads strands. An individual’s personal characteristics within clothing could be used to help Africans in this era. Colors of clothing can vary depending on who is wearing them. The clothing’s “add-ons” also tell how important someone is. Sometimes, clothing was passed down through generations. This created legacies that showed the importance and legacy of certain families. Because clothing can be representative of many people, it is an important and cool art. Gainesville hosts people from all over the US and the rest of the world. Clothing is an indicator of a person’s character. Gainesville has a large community with a wide range of cultures.
Qur’anic Amulet(xirsi), Somali Peoples, Somalia. Eighteenth century. Accessories are a significant part of many societies and cultures, just like clothing. This necklace illustrates what a traditional gift was to a bride at that time in Africa. The necklace is a marriage gift and the woman would need to dispose of it if she divorces her husband or dies. These items are usually sold by women to help them survive. Pieces, sculptures, or jewelry that represent figures fighting evil spirits are a common feature of African art. This necklace, along with many others, is meant to be protective. This necklace is said to protect its wearer from evil forces and diseases. “Amber and copal were thought to have healing powers. The Harn Necklace, which includes both amber as well as amber, is thus double-fortified. To symbolize the death of an owner, jewelry was often buried together with them. The jewelry was more expensive or more rare, so the owners were more wealthy and important. A lot of African jewelry can be compared with African masks. African masks can be found in dances or ceremonies, which are very common in African culture. Jewelry is sometimes used in performances. You can consider many items art, even jewelry. The African culture was very rich in jewelry.
Cultural diversity is strong in Gainesville. Our University of Florida art museum showcases local artists. It also gives students an insight into Florida’s past through its art.
