Week Five

While looking at the “Equestrian Figure” of the Jenne people(s) of Mali on can see that the man riding the horse is larger than the horse itself. This emphasizes that men are powerful and strong. But the horse could also be small and not have an elongated neck because of the material it was carved from, a wooden log. Horses are also seen as a sign of status. One may find that the rider may be a hero or an important figure in the community. There are multiple meanings that can be drawn from every piece of African art.

The figure on the right was made by the Bamana people(s) of Mali. It is titled “Seated mother and child.” The mother seated with child is wearing a helmet this represents power, and that she is important to their community. The helmet is something the men who are strong warriors and hunters wore. She also is holding a child; this show the importance of fertility to the Bamana people, also the passing down of wisdom and characteristics to the next generation. Women hold a great deal of power in African cultures, sometimes it can look like men take the majority of the roles in African cultures. Women are by no mean forgotten or considered unimportant. Women, especially older women are considered wise and very important. Many people(s) of Africa see a need for balance. Balance being one of needing a male and female to reproduce and grow as a community.

I chose these two figures because its shows representation of both sexes and it equally shows the power held by each sex. Both figures have abstracted idealized forms. The female has large breasts and torso. She also has the classic almond eyes. The male is created larger than the horse emphasizing power. He has almond eyes as well along with a beard. One may represent fertility and the other may represent a hero or important figure but they both represent power and the necessity/importance for each sex.