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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
3 pages in length. Animal likenesses in African art have historically reflected a much more figurative meaning rather than what might be otherwise construed as a literal reference; that ancient cultures were infinitely more attuned to the wholeness of nature in their daily existence speaks to the interwoven connectivity they felt with the spirits of animals. As such, these beautiful creatures were routinely used as symbols of such cultural aspects as spiritual links (communicating with the gods), social needs (asking for a prosperous hunt) or fertility. Of the myriad animals depicted in masks, dances, paintings and other artistic outlets, the most prominent include elephants, rhinos, kob antelope, leopards and buffalo. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
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infinitely more attuned to the wholeness of nature in their daily existence speaks to the interwoven connectivity they felt with the spirits of animals. As such, these beautiful creatures
were routinely used as symbols of such cultural aspects as spiritual links (communicating with the gods), social needs (asking for a prosperous hunt) or fertility. Of the myriad animals
depicted in masks, dances, paintings and other artistic outlets, the most prominent include elephants, rhinos, kob antelope, leopards and buffalo. "Animals occupy an important place in African belief, art
and folklore. People who, from time beyond memory, have lived in close contact with all of natures creatures look to animals as models of desirable human qualities, as spiritual
ancestors, as embodiment of spiritual forces, as legendary teachers, and as entertaining characters in folktales" (Rutledge, 1991, p. 16). Leopard and elephant are by far the two most popular
animals portrayed in African art, inasmuch as their symbolic presence is that of power, authority, kingship and wisdom. Masks, for instance, made in their likenesses were utilized in such
a way as to replicate the manner by which the specific animal moved; dances were choreographed so as to imitate an elephants large presence or a leopards sleek passage.
One pertinent example of their dual power as animals in African art is the Cameroon elephant mask with leopard spots. Made of beads and cloth, this dual representation of
power and authority also denotes wealth and kingship, inasmuch as it is particularly associated with the rich and royal who wear it. The symbolic authority of the elephants trunk
and ears are prominently displayed with long panels and two round cylinders on either side of the head, while the leopard spots appear as triangle shapes that indicate mastery and
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