The Zulu tribe is known for its colorful beadwork in which artists weave small glass beads into unique patterns. The beads are more than simply art. Each color of bead symbolizes a certain emotion or event in the life of the artist. For example, black represents regeneration or death, and pink represents an oath or promise. Specific patterns help convey a message. An unmarried girl will bead a triangle with the point facing up to show her availability and desire for a husband.
Pottery and sculpture are two major art forms of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. In the Yoruba culture, women make pottery for cooking and storage, and to honor Yoruba deities. In the 12th through 15th centuries, sculptures were made out of clay and bronze, but they have evolved into wooden sculptures that represent kings, gods and abstract forms of humans.
The Fang tribe of Cameroon is known for its masks and guardian figures. Hunting is the principal activity in Fang society, and most masks are used in hunting ceremonies. Masks are simple and carved from wood. Guardian figures in the Fang tribe are carved to represent deceased family members. The figures are glued to bark boxes containing bones and other relics of the deceased. The figures are considered a link to the dead and are frequently consulted for advice.
Paintings on rock and canvas are the principal art of the Bushmen. These works are created to help members of the tribe communicate with one another. They provide images of common rituals and aid in storytelling and dance. Multiple caves and overhang sites in South Africa contain historic examples of rock paintings by the Bushmen.
The Bobo tribe, which lives in Burkina Faso and Mali, is known for elaborate masks that represent animals or spirits. These masks are worn during purification rites and other ceremonies related to crops or funerals. When members of the Bobo tribe wear masks, they consider their personal selves to be erased, while the divinity of the mask takes over during the ceremony.