The Soul of Africa: How Art and Artifacts Tell the Stories of a Continent's Legacy.

African art is not just a visual experience?—?it’s a deep, layered narrative that speaks to the soul of the continent. From towering sculptures to intricately carved stools, these objects transcend their physical forms, carrying with them the weight of history, belief, and cultural identity. When we approach African art, we are not simply looking at craftsmanship; we are looking at the stories of nations, the struggles of communities, and the reverence of spiritual practices.

In this exploration, we will delve into some iconic artifacts that have not only shaped Africa’s cultural landscape but also influenced global perceptions of art, power, and spirituality. From the Asante people’s sacred Golden Stool to the power figures of the Congo, each artifact tells a profound story about the people who created them.

The Edo People and Their Legacy of?Art

One of the earliest examples of African art influenced by European contact can be found in the artworks of the Edo people, primarily from the Kingdom of Benin. The kingdom, rich in history and culture, flourished for centuries before the destructive forces of colonialism. Today, much of the visual history of the Edo people is preserved in the form of plaques and sculptures, many of which depict important royal events or highlight their connection to the Portuguese.

The Benin Kingdom, renowned for its advanced and distinctive bronze sculptures, offers a glimpse into an ancient society that was already in dialogue with the Portuguese long before the European colonizers imposed their rule. These works were often made to honor the royalty, military conquests, and ancestral spirits.

In one of the more amusing yet revealing pieces, a wall plaque depicts a Portuguese man?—?caricatured in a way that makes him appear smaller and wimpier in comparison to the larger, more powerful figures surrounding him. It’s a lighthearted but poignant reversal of the colonial narrative, where Western art often reduced African people to mere curiosities. The piece serves as a reminder that while Africa’s art was being influenced by Europeans, it was also shaping their perception in return.

The Sacred Golden Stool of the Asante?People

Perhaps one of the most sacred and revered artifacts in African culture is the Sika Dua Kofi, or the Golden Stool, of the Asante people of Ghana. This stool is not just a seat?—?it is the soul of the Asante nation, and its spiritual significance cannot be overstated. According to Asante tradition, the stool was said to have descended from the heavens, brought down by a priest, and is believed to contain the very spirit of the Asante people.

The stool is so sacred that it is never touched by human hands, not even the king’s. It is kept in an undisclosed location, only brought out during special occasions. When not in use, it is turned on its side, as though to symbolically remind people that it should not be used as a mere chair. It sits on its own throne, enveloped in gold, signifying its immense importance. The gold, a material that doesn’t tarnish, symbolizes eternal life, purity, and divinity.

The Golden Stool’s cultural impact was so powerful that a war was fought over it. In the early 20th century, when the British attempted to impose their rule over the Asante, they demanded the right to sit on the stool as a symbol of submission. Naturally, this was seen as a grave insult, leading to a violent clash. Despite the colonial annexation, the Asante managed to keep the stool safe, underscoring its central role in their cultural and spiritual identity.

The Kuba People’s Ndop Portraits

While the Asante are known for their Golden Stool, the Kuba people of Central Africa are recognized for their Ndop portraits?—?sculptures created to honor their kings, or “neems.” These portrait figures were not intended to be realistic depictions but rather idealized representations that highlighted the ruler’s most significant traits and achievements. These sculptures often include symbols that were personally chosen by the rulers themselves?—?such as a specific hand gesture or a coat of arms on a drum.

In the absence of a written language, these statues, along with oral tradition, played a vital role in passing down the achievements of the kings and ensuring that their legacies lived on through generations. The large, calm, and passive expressions on the figures are meant to convey a sense of transcendence, as if the ruler, now immortalized in art, was beyond the concerns of mortal affairs.

These statues were typically placed in shrines and required regular maintenance to protect them from the ravages of time, including termites. This care and upkeep reflect the reverence with which these figures were treated, as they weren’t just statues?—?they were vessels of memory, legacy, and power.

The Power Figures of the?Congo

I am originaly from Congo and finding out about the Kisi figures was very intriging for me as it is one of the most spiritually potent artifacts in African art.

These anthropomorphic power figures were created to house spirits that could affect the lives of individuals or communities. These figures, which often represent a human form, are meant to be vessels of spiritual energy?—?either to heal, curse, or enforce oaths.

The creation of these figures involves a shamanic ritual, where the spirit of the figure is activated through the insertion of a nail or peg into the figure’s body, usually in a specific cavity, often linked to the desired outcome. For example, if someone wished to invoke a spirit for protection, a specific ritual might involve sealing the figure with an object like seeds or herbs, each symbolizing a different outcome. Once sealed, the spirit can carry out its work, be it healing, punishment, or contract enforcement.

This practice has strong parallels with Voodoo, which is often misrepresented in popular culture as a malevolent force. In truth, Voodoo shares many of its roots with African spiritual practices, where objects like the Kisi figures serve as mediators between the spiritual and physical worlds. These practices are primarily concerned with healing, balance, and spiritual harmony, not evil.

If you happen to visit congo, you can see some of these figures at the African Circle Museum of Pointe-Noire.

The Broader Meaning of African?Art

Through these artifacts, we see how African art is inherently tied to cultural identity and belief systems. Art in Africa is not just for adornment?—?it plays an active role in the spiritual and social fabric of society. Objects like the Golden Stool of the Asante or the power figures of the Congo are not merely decorative. They are living vessels of memory, spirit, and authority.

What sets African art apart is its deep connection to oral traditions and spiritual practices. These objects are not only visual representations but active participants in the cultural, spiritual, and political spheres of their communities. They speak of a history that is oral rather than written, of a spirituality that transcends the physical, and of an identity that is deeply rooted in the land, the ancestors, and the divine.

It is crucial to approach African art with the understanding that it is not just “art” in the conventional sense. It is a reflection of a world view where the sacred and the everyday are intertwined, where objects carry power and meaning beyond their appearance.

As we engage with African art, we need to remember that we are witnessing the stories of cultures that have long existed beyond the gaze of colonial powers. These objects are more than remnants of a distant past; they are the ongoing legacy of a continent rich in history, spirituality, and resilience. So, the next time you come across an African artifact, whether it be a stool, a sculpture, or a mask, remember that you are not just seeing art?—?you are connecting with a story that has survived centuries, echoing across generations.