Question 1

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

Masquerades are a significant cultural practice among the Senufo people, serving various social and governmental functions in their stateless societies.

Question 2

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

The Akan linguist staff is traditionally carried by an important counselor and adviser, known as the linguist or "okyeame," who acts as a spokesperson and intermediary for the king or chief.

Question 3

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 power figures that embody powerful spirits in Kongo culture are known as Nkisi n'kondi.

Question 4

Why are bush spirits depicted as beautiful, ideal human figures in Baule sculpture?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why are bush spirits depicted as beautiful,...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

In Mende culture, a broad, high forehead is considered a physical trait that signifies wisdom and success. It is believed that individuals with these features are destined for great achievements and have the potential to lead their community to prosperity.

Question 6

Which of the following describes Baule bush spirits?

Accepted Answer

Baule bush spirits are traditionally described as short, horrible-looking, and sometimes deformed, reflecting their supernatural and otherworldly nature.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Akan akua'ba sculptures are believed to ensure the safe delivery of a healthy and handsome child. They are consecrated at shrines and carried by young women who are hoping to conceive and give birth to a healthy child.

Question 8

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 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, such as bronze, symbolizes the enduring nature of kingship.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The sculpture of the Dogon is strongly stylized, characterized by geometric shapes and angular lines, while the sculpture of the Kongo is more naturalistic, often featuring detailed facial expressions and body proportions.

Question 11

The door carved by Olowe of Ise is a very fine example of his work. It also records the presence of the Europeans as colonists among the Yoruba. What event is depicted on the doors?

Accepted Answer

The arrival of Britain's first traveling commissioner to the Ondo province is depicted on the doors, which signifies the presence of Europeans as colonists among the Yoruba.

Question 12

What is the primary function of masks and masqueraders in traditional African culture?

Accepted Answer

The primary function of masks and masqueraders in traditional African culture was to act as mediators between the living and the spirit world. They were believed to possess the power to communicate with the spiritual realm and protect the community from harm.

Question 13

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

Many examples of rock paintings have been found in South Africa, depicting various scenes, including the presence of Europeans. While rock paintings are also found in other African countries like Zaire, Benin, and Gabon, there is no mention of the presence of Europeans in those paintings.

Question 14

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 Dogon creation myth, the first ancestor to come down from the sky and create humans was known as Nommo. Nommo taught the Dogon people how to cultivate crops, weave cloth, and create sculptures. Eventually, Nommo's teachings led to the creation of the Satimbe mask, which women were the first to don during ceremonies. Thus, option A, "Women were the first ancestors to imitate spirit maskers," is the best choice.

Question 15

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

Ngady Amwaash sheds tears because, according to the legend, she must commit incest with her father, Woot, in order to procreate and continue the royal lineage.

Question 16

How do Mende masks symbolize the ancestral female spirits?

Accepted Answer

The glistening black surfaces of Mende masks symbolize the smooth, dark skin of the ancestral female spirits, representing beauty and serenity.

Question 17

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, which is specifically designed for men in the Senufo ethnic group.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The trait of conventionalized, flattened heads is found in both Akan clay and wood sculpture. This can be seen in the way the Akan people utilized shapes and symbols to convey a sense of identity and meaning in their artwork.

Question 19

What are waka sran?

Accepted Answer

Waka sran are wooden figures representing "people of wood" in Baule culture.

Question 20

The Igbo peoples traditionally build mbari houses. Why are mbari houses built?

Accepted Answer

Mbari houses are traditionally built by the Igbo people to honor the earth goddess during ceremonies and festivals. These structures are made from natural materials like mud, clay, and palm fronds and are created by the entire community working together. Mbari houses are believed to represent the connection between the living and the dead, and are seen as a way to bridge the gap between the spiritual and physical worlds.

Quiz 37: Africa, 1800 to 1980