Question

In his ethnography African Art in Transit (1994), anthropologist Christopher Steiner traces the social life of African art such as wood carvings and clay figurines as they pass through various hands from creators to consumers through Abidjan, the main port city of Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa. Place each group in the correct position in the chain of manufacture, distribution, and consumption.

Answer 1

In 'African Art in Transit,' Christopher Steiner tracks African art from local creation to global recognition. Initially crafted by artisans using natural resources and taken as commodities by Europeans, these artifacts eventually gained prominence in Western art galleries and museums. Contemporary African artists now blend tradition with modernity, showcasing globalization's impact and the continent's inventive spirit.

Step-by-step explanation:

In his ethnography African Art in Transit, Christopher Steiner explores the journeys of African art from creation to consumption. The art pieces often began their lives as practical or ceremonial objects within African communities, crafted by local artisans who utilized materials such as wood, ivory, metals, and clay. These artists, often working in guilds, created pottery, figurines, jewelry, ceremonial adornment, and architectural decorations without much individual recognition.

Upon reaching the hands of European colonizers, African artworks were transported as commodities, stripped of their cultural context and often viewed as curios rather than art. However, as the 20th century progressed, there was a shift, and African art gained recognition in Western galleries and museums, becoming prized for its aesthetic and historical value. Globalization and post-colonial independence saw African artists merging their traditions with global influences, creating dynamic and innovative works heralded for their use of recycled materials and sociocultural commentary.

In the chain of manufacture, distribution, and consumption, the groups can be placed as follows:

1. Local African artisans and guilds create the art using natural resources.
2. Artifacts make their way through trade, often stripped of their cultural value and seen as mere commodities by European colonizers.
3. European perception evolves; African art receives international recognition in galleries and museums.
4. Contemporary African artists form a blend of past ethnic influences with modern global ideas, contributing to both the global art scene and local cultural identity.