The first African art consisted of ritual masks and figurines carved of wood. Although much African sculpture was immobile and communicated its energy by a sense of arrested movement, masks were meant to be seen in action. Many important ceremonies, funerals, festive religious rites, and other occasions were always accompanied by dancing and masks. Different materials were used to construct these masks:
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wood with paint
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copper
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animal teeth
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fiber
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iron blades
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After studying this background on the masks, the students can enjoy more the beauty of the exhibition in the Yale Art Gallery. Now the teacher takes the class to see the African exhibition.
Questions for discussion:
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1.
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Can you show on the map the place from which the slaves came to America?
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2.
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Can you name some activities in which African boys were involved?
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3.
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Can you tell what the masks are used for?
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4.
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What materials are they made of ?
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5.
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What other things do the African people enjoy?
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6.
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Can you name an African instrument?
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7.
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After having studied Africa, can you name some differences and similarities between that country and Puerto Rico? The teacher will go to the blackboard and prepare two columns: similarities/differences
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Films Recommended (from the Audio Visual Catalogue 1983, New Haven Public Schools):
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1.
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Part I African Enslaved (2fs2c)
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2.
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Africa, A Noble Heritage (3fs3c)
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3.
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From Africa to America (i, m, h)
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4.
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African Legends: the Three Tasks (fsc)
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5.
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The Bird Who Sought Wisdom (p, i)
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