Some African objects had been collected by Europeans for centuries, and there had been industries producing some types, especially carvings in ivory, for European markets in some coastal regions. Between 1890 and 1918 the volume of objects greatly increased as Western colonial expansion in Africa led to the removal of many pieces of sub-Saharan African art that were subsequently brought to Europe and displayed.[1] These objects entered the collections of natural history museums, art museums (both encyclopedic and specialist) and private collections in Europe and the United States. About 90% of Africa’s cultural heritage is believed to be located in Europe, according to French art historians.[2]
Initially mostly seen as illustrating the ethnology of different African cultures, appreciation of pieces as artworks grew during the 20th century. Only towards the end of the century was “modern” African art in fine art genres accepted as significant.[3]
19th century
Before the Berlin Conference of 1885, traders and explorers to Africa purchased or stole art as souvenirs and curios,[4] spreading beyond the coast; ivory objects made along African coasts had been collected for centuries, and many were made by Africans for purchase by Europeans, mainly in areas reached by the Portuguese, such as the Afro-Portuguese ivories. The period dominated by curio collecting, in which objects served as souvenirs, was followed by a period of trophy collecting in which large collections of artifacts (mostly weapons), and animal skins, horns, and tusks from hunting expeditions were formed.[4]
Starting in the 1870s, thousands of African sculptures arrived in Europe in the aftermath of colonial conquest, exploratory expeditions and Christian missionary activity. Many reached museums such as the Musée d’Ethnographie du Trocadéro, founded in 1878 in Paris, and its counterparts in other European cities.[5] At the time, these objects were treated as artifacts of colonized cultures rather than as artworks and were very cheap, often sold in flea markets and pawnshops.[5]
For the discussion about the restitution of African art following the announcement by French president Emmanuel Macron in 2017, see the report on the restitution of African cultural heritage.
See related:
- Voices from African Art – The Striking Story of an Ivory Mask from Benin | HENI Talks
- Voices from African Art – Volunteer Stories: Yoruba Carving of Queen Victoria, Pitt Rivers Museum
- Baule Mask Dances – TOUDJI – GOLY
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