Sahelian Art

I am an avid admirer of African art and this is a small display of some of the artwork that I came across during my travels in the Sahel. African art usually takes many forms- sculptures, paintings, carvings etc. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

First we start in Senegal- and one art work that cannot be missed is the colossal Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine completed in 2010 and can be considered the African answer to the statue of liberty. It is reportedly the tallest statue in the world outside of Asia and the former Soviet Union.  Standing at 49meters on a hill top in Dakar, the monument boasts of a wonderful art gallery in its interior, featuring works by prominent local artists.

The monument of African renaissance, July 2011 Dakar  Senegal 

Bronze sculptures depicting various aspects in African life

Throne from ancient kingdom in Benin, West Africa

Oil painting by prominent local artist Tita Mbye

Another piece by Tita Mbye

Another place in Dakar where you can appreciate beautiful local art is the Soumbedioune Village des Arts located in Medina.  

Entrance of an art shop in the village. Notice the beautiful carvings on the door frame and the pillars

I took a particular liking of this piece showing the beauty of African Women

What I found interesting about this one is the Kora (musical instrument)
affixed to the  painting

Next, we move to the Gambia where I show a few pictures by a prominent local artist Njogou Touray who's work has begun to gain some recognition. I am of the impression that many Africans do not appreciate the beauty of our art, and as such do not patronize our local artists. This I feel needs to be remedied by raising awareness on the need for the preservation of our art and culture. 

Piece by Njogou Touray

Also by Njogou Touray

This interesting metallic art piece is a hunter made of scrap metal.
A good way of using all the scrap metal that we throw around

And finally a few collections from Mauritania. Even though these seem to look more middle eastern than indigenous African, it still represents the rich heritage that we have on the continent. 

Antique dagger

Portrait of prominent Mauritanian independence hero
painted by prominent local Mauritanian artist Mokhiz