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Basics of African Art | Ebony Carvings | Brass Artwork

Basics of African Art
The origins of African art go back thousands of years. Because most of the artwork was constructed out of wood and clay however, many of the sculptures have now decayed. Even so, the experience of African culture has been maintained through the generations. The seven most common forms of African art are masks, statues, furniture, textiles, pottery, beadwork, baskets, and metalwork.

Western art has been greatly influenced by African art. Pablo Picasso discovered African sculptures and paintings, and afterwards he revolutionized the art world with 'abstract' art. Many other western artists have also been influenced by African art such as Henry Moore, Cezanne, and Renee Stout.

African art is famous for portraying its society and culture; as opposed to western art where the artist is try to express themselves personally. The abstract form of African art plays an important part in the beliefs of African people. when a feature on an African sculpture or painting is enlarged, it means that part is of particular importance to society. Many Nigerian sculptures have enlarged heads, because the head is considered the source of a persons luck and wisdom. The Kenyan artists like to enlarge the eyes because they are the windows to the soul. Some figures have large, muscular legs, portraying strength and hard work.

Artwork in Africa is often generalized or idealized rather than being realistic. For example, since age is equated with wisdom, many sculptures will show a person with grey hair while the persons body is still youthful and smooth. In almost every piece of art there is a story. You can experience much greater satisfaction from our own African collection by pondering some of these ideas.

Today certain African art forms have come to symbolize and inspire people of African descent the world over. African imagery is at the forefront of popular celebrations of multiculturalism. While the meaning of African art sometimes changes depending on its context, it continues to serve as a catalyst that inspires individuals in Africa, America and beyond to explore the vitality and diversity of African cultures.

Ebony Carvings
Ebony wood is an exceptionally hard and beautiful wood found only in the Sahara desert regions of Africa. Its exceptional density not only makes it very heavy, but also gives it an incomparable sheen when polished.

Because of the high value and heaviness of the wood, only the master carvers of Africa are able to use it for their craft. They use simple hand tools to produce the works of art sold at Odussa's Place.

In ancient days, the royalty of Persia and India would travel to West Africa to find ebony to use for scepters, sculptures and drinking chalices. Even now ebony is considered the most valued and treasured wood to be found.

Ebony normally is brown on the outside of the tree; and black on the inside. The carvings often come as a beautiful mixture of black and brown; as well as the pure black wood that is most well known. Each has its own special beauty.

Like any wood, ebony is subject to drying and cracking: especially in dry climates. Your wood pieces should be cared for with occasional polishing with shoe polish or other moisturizing agents.

Brass Artwork
All brass items from Odussa's Place are made of solid brass using the Lost World Method. This process of producing artwork has been common in other places of the world as well; but is now found almost exclusively in works from Africa.

This is an exceptionally labor intensive process where a wax mold is formed by hand, over an open fire until the mold is exactly as intended The wax is then dipped into very fine powdered mud several times; being allowed to harden between applications; this forms a classic casting around the mold. The clay is then heated until the wax melts and is then poured out of its casting. Finally molten brass is poured into the casting replacing the old wax mold. the clay is then broken away from the brass; leaving a solid brass ornament.

Each piece is individually made. No two are exactly the same because the mold is broken in the process of making the piece. These will retain their original brilliant look indefinitely as each work is solid brass; not just plated.