The meaning we give nowadays to the words ‘art’ and ‘artist’ and the special place they occupy in modern society do not entirely match the traditional African way of thinking.
‘Art’ was not something separate from life. Art not only covered all forms of human activity, but also gave them a meaning. The Ancient African view of the universe was an all-embracing and religious one, and acts, particularly acts of creation, were seldom, if ever, carried out without a reason, an intention, or appropriate ritual preparations.
In traditional Africa, there was no division between the sacred and the profane, ...
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