5. Sacred arts and ritual performances

Abstract

African visual and oral life are textured with religious meaning. In the contemporary period, African art objects are interpreted in the context of African's historical and cultural experiences. Even bodily comportment, dress, and grooming are influenced by religious ideals. In order to understand the true scope and significance of African art, it is necessary to understand how deeply influenced it is by religious conventions and meaning. The most common and well-known kinds of African arts are statuettes, figurines, and vessels. ‘Sacred arts and ritual performances’ discusses art in religious celebration, the intricate and elaborate beadwork of many African communities, orality and musical performance in African religions, divinatory art, and body art and style.