In Africa masks can be traced back to well past Palaeolithic times.

These
art objects were, and are still made of various materials; included are
leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood.
African masks are considered amongst the finest creations in the art
world and are highly sought after by art collectors. Many of the pieces
some replica's, can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts
of the world. Masking ceremonies in Africa have great cultural and
traditional significance. Latest developments and understanding of
Aesthetic principles, religious and ceremonial values, have brought about
a greater insight into the ideas and moral values that African artists
express in their art.
Jewellery play important roles in African life. Indeed two key
functions of jewellery in traditional African culture are worthy of
mention. Africans make their jewellery out of lots of different
things. The most common materials they use are; beads, bone
and bamboo.

Africa's a big place, so people had very different styles of

clothing in different parts of Africa. And this page covers a lot of
time, from the Stone Age to the middle Ages, so there were
also a lot of changes in clothing during that time. People in
Africa seem to have started wearing clothing around 75,000
years ago -at least, that's about the time that the first body lice
got started, and lice need clothing to live in. The first clothing
was made out of animal skins - leather and fur shawls and
loincloths. And the first jewellery was probably made of
seashells and feathers.
 "chief of greatness,
ADINKRAHEN adinkra charisma,
E symbols" leadership

AKOBEN "war horn" vigilance, wariness

AKOFENA "sword of war" courage, valour

"the leg of a
AKOKONAN • mercy, nurturing
hen"

patience &
AKOMA • "the heart"
tolerance

AKOMA "linked understanding,

NTOSO hearts" agreement

ANANSE "spider's web" wisdom, creativity

NTONTAN

ASASE YE "the Earth has divinity of Mother

DURU weight" Earth

endurance,
AYA "fern"
resourcefulness

"sack of cola affluence,

BESE SAKA nuts" abundance, unity
 "no one
BI NKA BI should bite peace, harmony
the other"

BOA ME NA "help me and

cooperation,
ME MMOA let me help
interdependence
you"
WO