Geography - Africa is 1/5 of the world's land surface. The U.S, China, Japan, and most of Europe could fit on the continent.
3 great rivers: Niger, Congo, Nile
2 great deserts: Sahara in the north, Kalahari in the south
High, rugged mountains in the east
People - Humankind probably started on the continent. Hundreds of distinct ethnic, cultural & linguistic groups of people.
On the AP Exam you will be asked to compare, contrast or discuss artwork from Beyond the European Tradition. Ancient Egyptian and Roman settlements in North Africa developed as a result of European interaction. Those artworks are considered western. African cultures from regions south of the Sahara developed independent of European influence. The art in this unit is outside the European tradition and should be included in your study of non-western art.
Islam was also very influential in the development of Africa, particularly on the Northern coast and the Horn of Africa. Islamic art will be studied in a separate unit.
Art helped early African civilizations define and create their culture. Objects were not solely created for display; it was integrated with their life and thought. Art was created for:
Hilt
Lost-wax casting
Oba
Regalia
Scarification
