AP Art History College Board

This subject offers 37 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Africa, 1100-1980 CE 3 topics
  2. Ancient Mediterranean, 3500 BCE-300 CE 4 topics
  3. Early Europe and Colonial America, 200-1750 CE 5 topics
  4. Global Contemporary, 1980 CE- Present 4 topics
  5. Global Prehistory, 30,000-500 BCE 3 topics
  6. Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE- 1980 CE 4 topics
  7. Later Europe and Americas, 1750-1980 CE 4 topics
  8. South, East, and Southeast Asia, 300 BCE-1980 CE 4 topics
  9. The Pacific, 700-1980 CE 3 topics
  10. West and Central Asia, 500 BCE-1980 CE 3 topics
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  • 10
    modules
  • 37
    topics
  • 13,961
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Art History

Africa, 1100-1980 CE

Cultural Contexts of African Art

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Cultural Contexts of African Art

Cultural Contexts of African Art

Geographical and Cultural Diversity

  • Africa's size and diversity have resulted in a wide variety of artistic traditions.
  • Geographical boundaries including rivers, deserts, and mountains have stimulated the development of different cultures.
  • Cultural exchange with other continents, particularly Europe and Asia, has also shaped the development of African art.

Religion and Spirituality

  • African art often reflects spiritual beliefs and is used in rituals.
  • Ancestor worship is common; many works of art are dedicated to honoring deceased relatives.
  • Other important themes in African religious art include the natural world, fertility, and the afterlife.

Social and Political Structures

  • Hierarchy and status can be represented in African art – for instance, larger stools indicated higher social status.
  • Artistic representations of leaders often emphasize qualities like strength and fertility.
  • Political instability and conflict, such as the transatlantic slave trade and European colonization, have influenced African art in various ways.

Economic Factors

  • African art offers insights into historical economies, as many works of art also served practical purposes.
  • The exchange of goods and ideas, both within Africa and with other continents, has influenced artistic styles and techniques.
  • Materials used in African art can also reflect economic and environmental conditions – for instance, the use of ivory indicates access to elephants.

Artistic Training and Techniques

  • Artistic skills are often passed down within families or through apprenticeship systems.
  • Techniques include carving, pottery, textile weaving, and metalworking – different regions tend to specialize in different techniques.
  • African artists often take a holistic approach, seeing art as an integral part of daily life rather than a separate sphere.

Use and Function of Artworks

  • Much African art is functional, ranging from masks used in religious rituals to artistic tools and utensils.
  • Art can also function as a form of social commentary, possibly criticising rulers or social norms.
  • Some forms of African art, such as textiles and beadwork, have historically been used as forms of currency or symbols of wealth.

Gender and Art

  • Gender roles can be represented and challenged in African art.
  • Women often specialize in certain art forms, such as pottery or textile weaving.
  • In some societies, only men are allowed to create certain types of artwork, such as masks for rituals.

Remember while studying African art to appreciate the vast diversity and richness of the artistic traditions on the continent. Always consider the specific cultural, historical, and geographical context of each artwork.

Course material for Art History, module Africa, 1100-1980 CE, topic Cultural Contexts of African Art

Art History

Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE- 1980 CE

Interactions Within and Across Cultures in Indigenous American Art

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Interactions Within and Across Cultures in Indigenous American Art

Cultural Interactions within Indigenous America

  • Indigenous American cultures often interacted and exchanged ideas, which influenced their art.
  • The Olmec civilization, often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, set the groundwork for future civilizations like the Maya and Aztec.
  • Indigenous American art often features themes of nature, cosmology, and spirituality; these shared themes speak to cultural similarities and interactions.

Cross-Cultural Interactions

  • Indigenous American art was also influenced by interactions with foreign cultures.
  • European colonization had a profound impact on Indigenous American art.
  • After colonization, elements of European art started appearing in Indigenous American works, creating a hybrid style known as Colonial art.
  • The colonisers destroyed much of the Indigenous American art, some was preserved or incorporated into new art forms.

Indigenous American Art in Global Context

  • Indigenous American art has often been misunderstood or appropriated by foreign cultures.
  • In the 20th and 21st centuries, recognition and appreciation for Indigenous American art have grown.
  • Today, Indigenous American art is recognized for its complexity, diversity, and aesthetic value, and is studied as a key piece of world art history.

Indigenous Art Processes and Technologies

  • Advanced technologies and techniques were used in Indigenous American art.
  • The Mesoamericans were particularly skilled at stone-carving and pyramid-building.
  • Indigenous Americans also excelled at ceramics, textiles, and metalworking.
  • The introduction of European tools and materials led to new art forms and technologies.

The Role of Art in Indigenous Societies

  • Art played multiple roles in Indigenous American societies: spiritual, functional, and aesthetic.
  • Art was often used as a form of communication, telling stories and sharing cultural knowledge.
  • Art was also a key part of religious and spiritual practices, often used in rituals and ceremonies.
  • Art also served a decorative purpose, used to beautify objects and spaces.

Remember, a comprehensive study of Indigenous American art should consider both interactions within and across cultures. It should also remember to consider the variety of functions art played in these societies.

Course material for Art History, module Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE- 1980 CE, topic Interactions Within and Across Cultures in Indigenous American Art

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