Question

Why has much of African artwork been lost to history?

a) Lack of artistic talent among African communities
b) Deliberate destruction by colonial powers
c) African communities did not value art
d) Preservation efforts were not undertaken

Answer 1

African artwork has been lost to history due to deliberate destruction by colonial powers, lack of preservation efforts, and European control over Africa.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main reasons why much of African artwork has been lost to history are:

1. Deliberate destruction by colonial powers: European invaders viewed African art as utilitarian and not on par with Western art, leading to the confiscation, destruction, and removal of African artifacts to Europe.
2. Lack of preservation efforts: The humid climate in Africa contributed to the natural decomposition of materials, while buildings made of mud blocks disintegrated over time, resulting in the loss of many artworks.
3. European control over Africa: The competition for resources led to European colonization, which further disrupted African societies and their art practices.

Answer 2

Much of African artwork has been lost due to deliberate destruction by colonial powers, environmental factors like the climate leading to degradation, and the underappreciation of the art's cultural significance. The historical exploitation of Africa's resources by Europeans further contributed to this loss. Despite these challenges, contemporary African art is diverse and thriving, influenced by a mix of historical and modern dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main answer to why much of African artwork has been lost to history is deliberate destruction by colonial powers, combined with other environmental and socio-political factors. Art in African societies was made from natural resources like wood, ivory, and metals, which could degrade in the continent's humid climate. Additionally, European invaders took a considerable amount of artwork back to Europe, either as souvenirs or for exhibition in museums, undervaluing the art's cultural significance. Compounding this, the colonial impact led to a dismissal of African art as merely utilitarian or simplistic, further contributing to the neglect and destruction of African artworks.European colonialism had a devastating impact, not only on African art but on the continent's resources, lands, and autonomy. Much of Africa ended up under European control, which shifted economic gains to foreign investors, perpetuating poverty. This historical context is important to understanding the significant loss of African artworks and heritage.Today, African art cannot be simply defined due to its incredible diversity. Contemporary African artists draw on their varied historical events, ancestral cultures, and the changing influences of Western artistic disciplines that were brought to the continent during the colonial period.