from our collections.

Background

The peoples of West Africa, including the Yoruba, the Dogon, have a long art tradition. Tribes (部落) in the area have developed different styles of art and architecture that are suited to the climate and available materials and based on their traditions.

Gallery A: Photographs of Traditional West African Architecture(建筑)

This section shows historical photos of traditional West African architecture. Of particular interest are the photos of the Dogon village. The design of the Dogon village is based on the human figure. Certain types of buildings are placed in particular areas according to the Dogon’s philosophical(哲学上的) tradition. For example, the men’s houses are placed in the “head” of the village, the leader’s house is in the “chest,” and the women’s houses are in the “hands.”

Gallery B: West African Masks

The art of mask making is well developed in West Africa. Masks are important to West African traditions and have clear social, political, and economic roles. However, most masks are worn only at particular times or on special occasions. For example, among the Dan and the Kota, certain people wear special masks to show their power when they act as judges and policemen within the community. Among the Bambara of Mali, headdresses are worn during planting and harvest celebrations.

Gallery C: West African Sculptures(雕塑)

West African sculptures are made from materials such as metal or wood. They are based on tribal traditions and quite different. The Dogon are especially known for making figures of ancestors. They believe their ancestors, called Nommo, came down from the sky at the beginning of time. Nommo figures are often shown with their hands reaching out to the sky. The collection contains several wonderful examples of Nommo sculptures.

21. What is special about Dogon houses?

A. They are shaped like human beings.

B. They are designed by the village leader.

C. They are grouped according to tradition.

D. They have many photographs inside them.

22. West African masks ________.