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?

Accepted Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

According to the Dogon creation legend, women were the first ancestors to imitate the spirit maskers, which is why the Satimbe mask represents all women.

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?

Accepted Answer

The Akan commemorative head was traditionally placed as a burial offering to honor and remember the deceased.

Question 4

How do Mende masks symbolize the ancestral female spirits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do Mende masks symbolize the ancestral...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The Akan style trait of conventionalized, flattened heads can be found in both clay and wood sculptures.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following accounts for the...

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.

Accepted Answer

The billed cap found on one of the male supporting figures is a subtle indication of European influence, as such caps were not traditionally part of Yoruba attire but were associated with Europeans.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Dogon sculpture is known for its highly stylized and abstract forms, featuring elongated and geometric shapes. In contrast, Kongo sculpture is characterized by a focus on realism and often incorporates naturalistic depictions of human figures and animals.

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?

Accepted Answer

The durability of the material used in the Royal ancestral shrine of the Benin symbolizes the enduring nature of kingship, as it suggests permanence and resilience.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following supports the necessity...

Question 11

What are waka sran?

Accepted Answer

Waka sran refers to "people of wood" in the Baule culture, representing wooden sculptures.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

In Mende culture, a broad, high forehead is believed to signify wisdom and success. This physical feature is highly valued in individuals and is seen as an indicator of intelligence and potential for achievement. The Mende people traditionally make use of scarification to enhance this physical feature and make it more prominent.

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?

Accepted Answer

The figures mentioned in the question are nkisi n'kondi, which are power figures that represent powerful spirits in Kongo religion. The other options mentioned are not related to Kongo power figures.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The Poro society is an association for socialization and male initiation among the Senufo people. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not describe the Poro society, and option D is incorrect as there is no evidence of a female initiation society among the Senufo people.

Question 15

Which of the following describes Baule bush spirits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following describes Baule bush...

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The following two important masks represent the...

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?

Accepted Answer

The goddess in the mbari house is typically depicted with body paint and a traditional hairstyle, reflecting traditional Igbo aesthetics.

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Masquerades have long been a quintessential African...

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Akan akua'ba sculptures are traditionally carved and consecrated for young women who hope to become pregnant. The sculptures are believed to contain the spirit of a child and carrying them is thought to help ensure a safe delivery of a healthy and attractive baby.

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?

Accepted Answer

Rock paintings have been found in various locations throughout South Africa, including the Drakensberg Mountains and the Western Cape. While rock paintings have been found in other African countries such as Zaire, Benin, and Gabon, the question specifically asks for the best choice with regards to the presence of Europeans depicted in the paintings. South Africa has a longer history of European colonization and interaction than the other countries listed, and thus is the best choice.

Quiz 37: Africa, 1800 to 1980