Deck 37: Africa, 1800 to 1980

Question 1

The Akan linguist staff becomes a metaphor for the king or chief and can be carried into a meeting where an individual would be contesting the king's title to the stool. Who would carry this staff?

A) The king's principal wife
B) An important counselor and adviser
C) The king's first son
D) The king himself

Answer 1

B

Question 2

In Dogon society, the Satimbe mask represents all women and commemorates the creation legend. Which of the following is part of that legend?

A) Women were the first ancestors to imitate spirit maskers.
B) Women were the first ancestors to anger the spirit maskers.
C) Women were forbidden by the spirit maskers to consort with men.
D) Women were forbidden by the spirit maskers to wear masks.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The Akan commemorative head, which is sculpted by a female artist and has a long history in Akan tradition, served which of the following original purposes?

A) It was placed as a burial offering.
B) It served as a reminder of the deceased.
C) It was used in the home as a shrine ornament.
D) It was used as paraphernalia for a Diviner.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

How do Mende masks symbolize the ancestral female spirits?

A) The glistening black surfaces of the masks evoke the ancestral female spirits.
B) The dove forms atop the masks evoke the ancestral female spirits.
C) The wide-open eyes of the masks evoke the ancestral female spirits.
D) The cowrie-shell headdresses atop the masks evoke the ancestral female spirits.

Question 5

Which of the following describes the Akan style trait that is found in both clay and wood sculpture?

A) conventionalized, flattened heads
B) glistening black surfaces
C) neck ridges
D) wide, broad foreheads

Question 6

Which of the following accounts for the partial secularization of the masking tradition in 20ᵗʰ century African societies?

A) increased Christianization of the peoples
B) urbanization of African societies
C) independence of African nations
D) tribal migrations

Question 7

The veranda post carved by Olowe of Ise is a very fine example of his work. It also subtly records the presence of the Europeans as colonists among the Yoruba. Which of the following supports this statement.

A) The billed cap found on one of the male supporting figures.
B) The Union Jack placed at the top of the post.
C) One of the supporting figures is modeled after an English solider.
D) The central figure is holding a parasol.

Question 8

How does the sculpture of the Dogon differ from the sculpture of the Kongo?

A) Dogon sculpture is strongly stylized
B) Dogon sculpture is relatively naturalistic
C) Dogon sculpture is strongly realistic
D) Dogon sculpture is relatively realistic

Question 9

The Royal ancestral shrine of the Benin represents both the kings and the enduring nature of kingship. Which of the following characteristics represents this notion?

A) The carved elephant tusks reveal the enduring nature of kingship.
B) The durability of the material reiterates the enduring nature of kingship.
C) The carved elephant tusks stand guard over the enduring nature of kingship.
D) The placement of the heads reiterates the enduring nature of kingship.

Question 10

Which of the following supports the necessity of animal sacrifice made by the Benin king?

A) It propitiates the Great Ancestor Spirit.
B) It appeases the evil demons.
C) It certifies his power over the animal kingdom.
D) It invokes the collective strength of his ancestor kings.

Question 11

What are waka sran?

A) masks of the Dead Ancestors, Baule
B) First Ancestors, Dogon
C) people of wood, Baule
D) Female Spirits, Mende

Question 12

In Mende culture a broad, high forehead signifies which of the following?

A) fertility
B) wisdom and success
C) motherhood
D) kinship

Question 13

Kongo peoples have power figures that a trained priest must consecrate. These figures embody powerful spirits. Which of the following are those figures?

A) genetrix
B) nkisi n'kondi
C) waka sran
D) mubulu ngulu

Question 14

Senufo men dance many masks, most in the context of the Poro society. Which of the following describes this society?

A) An association for clan elders
B) An association for wives
C) An association for socialization and male initiation
D) An association for socialization and female initiation

Question 15

Which of the following describes Baule bush spirits?

A) They are tall with elongated necks and torsos.
B) They are tall and muscular.
C) They are short, horrible-looking, and sometimes deformed.
D) They are short with exaggerated heads.

Question 16

The following two important masks represent the Kuba king's legendary ancestors. They are the founding ancestor, Woot and his daughter the beautiful Ngady Amwaash. During childbirth she sheds tears. What accounts for these tears?

A) The knowledge of her role as legendary ancestress
B) In order to procreate she must commit incest with her father
C) Her father kills her first child
D) She must kill her father in order to establish the royal line

Question 17

The gods of the Igbo peoples found in the mbari house are clothed in contemporary and traditional clothing representing concepts of modernity and tradition for the Igbo. Which of the following describes the clothing style for the goddess?

A) modern clothing
B) body paint and traditional hairstyle
C) modern clothing with body paint and traditional hairstyle
D) formal gown and tiara

Question 18

Masquerades have long been a quintessential African expressive form loaded with meaning and cultural importance. Masquerades provided governmental functions for stateless societies. Which of the following groups of peoples would have masquerades?

A) Senufo
B) Baule
C) Kongo
D) Kota

Question 19

The Akan akua'ba sculptures are consecrated at shrines for young women to carry in order to ____.

A) placate the great spirits
B) ensure a good harvest
C) ensure the safe delivery of a healthy and handsome child
D) ward off the crocodile spirit of adversity

Question 20

Rock painting was among the most ancient traditions in African art and continued into the 19ᵗʰ century. Some scenes depict the presence of Europeans. Many examples have been found in which of the following countries?

A) Zaire
B) South Africa
C) Benin
D) Gabon

Question 21

The Kuba mask known as Bwoom represents which of the following of the legendary royal ancestors?

A) the first female and all women
B) the founding ancestor
C) the pygmy or dwarf who signifies the indigenous peoples of the king
D) the heavy, terrorizing first male and all men

Question 22

The Mamy Wata cult was a product of the early 20ᵗʰ century. The "mother of water" was a light-skinned, straight-haired woman who controlled snakes. Which of the following described this cult?

A) It was a reaction against European colonialism.
B) It was an assimilation and expression of contemporary and traditional values.
C) It was a reaction against Christianity.
D) It was an amalgamation of Christianity and traditional spiritual values.

Question 23

Which of the following can describe Kongo nkisi n'kondi figures.

A) They were all alike.
B) They all wore cowrie shells and shared medicines.
C) Each had its own role and particular medicines.
D) Each had its own particular medicines and shared many roles.

Question 24

How does the regalia of the Kuba king reflect that society?

Question 25

Which of the following describes how Mamy Wata appears in the dreams of her devotees?

A) as a small female child
B) as a voluptuously obese woman
C) as a wizened old woman
D) as an exotic temptress

Question 26

The Mbari construction process is a stylized ____.

A) world renewal ritual
B) royal ritual
C) ancestor worship ritual
D) kinship ritual

Question 27

Which of the following is the name for the ceremonies the Dogon hold every several years in order to honor the lives of those who have died since the last celebration?

A) Poro Celebration
B) Dama
C) Gelede Masquerade
D) Samburu

Question 28

What is the special province of Mamy Wata?

A) the initiation of young boys into the ways of manhood
B) the initiation of young girls into the ways of womanhood
C) traditional bush life
D) modern life

Question 29

In which of the following societies can women control and dance certain masks?

A) Mende
B) Benin
C) Kongo
D) Kuba

Question 30

What kind of veneration is quite common among African cultures?

A) astrological
B) ancestor
C) elders
D) child

Question 31

Mamy Wata shrines feature at least one image of the snake-entwined woman and a mirror. Which of the following is the reason for the mirror?

A) Mamy Wata is vain.
B) The devotee uses it to call Mamy Wata.
C) Mamy Wata uses it to control her spiritual power.
D) The devotee uses it to analyze dreams.

Question 32

Briefly describe African art production.

Question 33

Kongo Nkisi n'kondi are believed to do which of the following?

A) heal
B) take on the spirit of its creator
C) communicate with the animals
D) house the soul of the first-born

Question 34

Most Baule figural sculptures appear in which of the following?

A) personal shrines
B) public shrines
C) holy enclosures
D) village plazas

Question 35

Elaborate cyclical masquerades occur in which of the following societies?

A) Baule
B) Mende
C) Kongo
D) Dogon

Question 36

Most figures and masks are visualizations of which of the following?

A) political forces
B) supernatural forces
C) natural occurrences
D) royalty

Question 37

In Kongo society "white chalk" figures refer to which of the following?

A) the royal family
B) ancestors
C) spiritual strength
D) royal power

Question 38

A Dogon men's house or Togu na is important to the community because the deliberations, which take place under the sheltering roof, are vital to the community. Which of the following would accurately translate into English the meaning of Togu na?

A) the house of the elders
B) the house of judgment
C) the house of men
D) the house of words

Question 39

Which of the following describes a Mbari house?

A) It is never open.
B) It is never closed.
C) It is never repaired.
D) It is never symbolic.

Question 40

The linked seated couple that clearly documents the gender roles would have been created in which of the following groups?

A) Dogon
B) Baule
C) Kongo
D) Senufo

Question 41

How does the description of Pieter der Marees, a Dutch visitor to 17ᵗʰ century Ghana assist in documenting Akan burial practices?

Question 42

How does the mbari house represent the male view of modernity and tradition?

Question 43

What is the function of the Poro society in Senufo culture?

Question 44

How has the role of masks and masquerades changed since African nations gained their independence?

Question 45

Contrast Kuba and Senufo masks. How does each function within its respective society?

Question 46

How does the female Mende mask evoke the female spirit?

Question 47

What does the royal regalia of the Kuba king represent?

Question 48

How are the Mende and their masking tradition unique?

Question 49

What is the purpose of a finely decorated stool or chair?

Question 50

What characterizes African art?

Question 51

How does the Akan linguist staff represent the king and the proverb, "Food is for its rightful owner, not for the one who happens to be hungry"?

Question 52

How does the royal ancestral shrine reflect the power of the Benin king?

Question 53

What is the Dama?

Question 54

How do Dogon masquerades assist in the transformations of the deceased?

Question 55

How do the large composite Senufo masks function in their society?

Question 56

How do the rock paintings of the South African San people document their environment?

Question 57

What is the Sande society of the Mende?

Question 58

How does the seated couple carved by the Dogon represent defined gender roles?

Question 59

Describe the change and continuing evolution of African art. Use examples to support your essay.

Question 60

Why did the Igbo not repair the mbari house?

Question 61

Describe the use of personal adornment to indicate social status in Africa. How does it reflect cultural values? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 62

How does this figure represent royalty?

Question 63

What is the narrative displayed on these doors?

Question 64

Describe the impact of European and American contact on 20th century African art. Include the contemporary influences as well. How have European and American contact changed African art and perceptions? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 65

How is this sculpture unique?

Question 66

What do these figures represent?

Question 67

Describe the roles of men and women in African societies. How do these roles affect the art forms? How are the roles changing, and what impact do these changes have on the art forms? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 68

Contrast Dogon and Baule figural sculpture. How do these works represent their respective societies?

Question 69

How does the Kongo figural sculpture mirror Kongo society? How does it represent their belief systems, and how does this differ from the figural sculpture of the Dogon? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 70

What groups are responsible for these two heads? What materials are used, and what function did the objects serve?

Question 71

Explain the interplay of realism and abstraction in African art. How does it amplify spiritual belief systems and how is it changing? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 72

What is being expressed in this representation?

Question 73

How do these people represent their personalities?

Question 74

How does this mask differ from a Beautiful Lady mask?

Question 75

Describe the purpose of these two constructions.

Question 76

What is the function of this figure?

Question 77

What is the figure that tops this mask and what does it signify?

Question 78

Contrast royal authority and regalia and kingly presentation of the Benin and Kuba. How did history shape their respective views and how have they responded to the 20ᵗʰ century? Use examples to support your essay.