Contemporary African Art

Long ago, a king and a queen lived in the kingdom of Arokoade. They had a very beautiful daughter called Ewa, whose beauty surpassed that of any other maiden in the kingdom. The princess was well-loved and pampered, but she eventually became proud. When Ewa came of age, her parents decided it was time for…

Africa is home to rich cultural celebrations, and one of the most significant is the New Yam Festival—a historic tradition symbolizing renewal, gratitude, and prosperity. This annual festival is widely celebrated by African tribes, particularly the Igbo people of Nigeria, as well as the Ashanti of Ghana, the Ewe of Togo and Benin, and the…

With its unique qualities, African oil paintings have long been a fascination among art enthusiasts. The slower drying time, smoother, glossier finish, durability, scratch—and stain-resistance, and excellent coverage of this medium make it a realm of endless possibilities. The allure of African oil painting lies in its ability to bring out the depth and vibrancy…

Charcoal Paintings found on portable stones in domestic debris in the Apollo 11 cave in Namibia are said to be Africa’s oldest datable rock paintings. The craft of oil painting was introduced to Africa by white European explorers who traversed the continent’s vast terrain, capturing the beauty of the wildlife and landscapes they encountered. The…

The story of Queen Amina is a controversial one. However, some facts are clear: from her childhood, she took an interest in governance and the military and would be seen attending meetings while sitting on her grandfather’s lap. Her grandmother also caught her wielding a dagger when she was a child, indicating her natural inclination…

The Fort Rock cave in Oregon, US, is famous for the discovery of the earliest known shoes in 1938. They are known as the sagebrush bark sandals, which date back to approximately 8000 BC. The oldest leather shoe in the world dates back to 3500 BC. It is made from a piece of cowhide laced…