In What Ways Are The Meanings And Purposes Of Islamic And Af

In What Ways Are The Meanings And Purposes Of Islamic And African Art

In what ways are the meanings and purposes of Islamic and African Art different than the Western (European) Art we have studied so far? Choose one example of Islamic Art and one example of African Art made anytime BEFORE 1900. Describe each art object in your own words and tell us the culture/region and date. You may insert your image into your text for 2 extra points (use the Embed Image Icon above). How do the examples you chose typify the culture of each? sources :

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The diverse and rich worlds of Islamic and African art serve as profound expressions of cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and societal purposes, often contrasting sharply with the aesthetics and functions of Western European art. Unlike Western art, which frequently emphasizes individualism, realism, and aesthetic innovation, Islamic and African artworks are deeply rooted in communal, spiritual, and functional contexts. These artworks serve not merely as visual expressions but as cultural texts that convey religious ideology, societal hierarchy, and spiritual beliefs integral to their respective cultures.

Islamic art, particularly before 1900, is characterized by a focus on the infinite nature of divine presence, the importance of aniconism, and intricate calligraphy. One notable example is the Shah Mosque (Masjid-e Shah) built in Isfahan, Persia, between 1611 and 1638. This mosque exemplifies Islamic art through its elaborate tilework, vegetal motifs, and the evocation of divine order. Its vast domes, minarets, and the extensive use of geometric patterns and calligraphy mirror the Islamic emphasis on unity, paradise, and the infinite nature of Allah. Islamic art aims to transcend the material world and inspire spiritual contemplation, emphasizing an understanding of divine eternity rather than individual emotional expression, which is often prevalent in Western art.

In contrast, African art before 1900 often centers on spiritual, ancestral, and societal functions. An example is the Phemba Queen Mother Sculpture from the Democratic Republic of Congo, created circa 19th century. This wooden sculpture depicts a regal female figure, embodying the spiritual and societal significance of the queen mother within the Kuba culture. It demonstrates the culture’s emphasis on lineage, spiritual protection, and social status. The expressive features and form highlight the importance of ancestral veneration and community cohesion. Unlike Western art’s focus on individualism or realism, this figure typifies the collective identity and spiritual interconnectedness that are central to African worldview, serving as a conduit for ancestral spirits and communal authority.

These examples underscore how Islamic and African art differ markedly from Western traditions. Islamic art's symbolic and spiritual qualities reflect a divine-centered cosmology, often avoiding figural representations to focus on spiritual abstraction. African art, on the other hand, emphasizes communal values, spiritual ancestors, and social order through sculpture and masks that serve functional as well as ceremonial roles. Both challenge Western notions of art as individual creative expression, instead positioning art as a vital component of religious practice, social structure, and cultural identity.

Understanding these differences enriches our appreciation of global artistic traditions, highlighting how art functions as a mirror of societal values and spiritual beliefs across cultures.

References

1. Blair, S. & Bloom, J. (2003). The Art and Architecture of Islam. Yale University Press.

2. Clark, J. T. (1998). African Art in Motion. Thames & Hudson.

3. Blair, S. (2010). Islamic Calligraphy. Ediciones Polígrafa.

4. Morgan, R. (2014). African Sculpture: Art for Life. African Arts.

5. Sullivan, E. (2000). Islamic Art and Architecture. Thames & Hudson.

6. Vail, L. (1991). African Icons: Visual Culture in West Africa. University of California Press.

7. Otten, H. (1988). Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal. Kodansha International.

8. Fagg, B. (1988). African Mask and Sculpture. Thames & Hudson.

9. Bloom, J. & Blair, S. (2013). The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art & Architecture. Oxford University Press.

10. Seligman, A. B. (1992). Art and Society in West Africa. University of California Press.