African art spans a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, pottery, textiles, masks, personal decoration, and jewelry. Fetishes, emblematic objects that are linked to occult practices such as voodoo, are a common motif in primitive African art. It is important to note that African art is not solely concerned with physical resemblance or realism. Instead, many forms of African art are characterized by visual abstraction and innovative form and composition.
Rock art and engravings are also an important part of African art history, with examples found in southern Africa dating back to the mid 18th century. Contemporary African art is diverse and incorporates various mediums and methods, ranging from oils to welding tin cans into sculpture.
Afrocultural aesthetics celebrates the ideas expressed in artworks and the intended purpose of art. The Harlem Renaissance, which occurred in the early 20th century, influenced African American artists to express their ancestral heritage and racial pride through their artwork. African art is a rich and complex artistic tradition that has contributed meaningfully to the global art world.
