How 150,000 years of African artistic tradition evolved through migration, trade, and empire.
In short: This animated map tracks the development of African art from its earliest origins to the present day. It illustrates how shifting political, religious, and material landscapes across the continent have continuously inspired new artistic genres.
The history of African art begins around 150,000 BCE with the earliest known paintings by the San people in Southern Africa. This map visualizes the complex, interconnected history of the continent, showing how artistic traditions emerged and transformed through centuries of migration, trade, and the rise of various empires.
The project, curated by Alisa LaGamma and her team at The Met, highlights how artists adapted to changing contexts to create diverse new genres. These developments are now showcased in the newly reenvisioned Arts of Africa galleries within the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Arts of Africa Map | Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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