These art objects are from Western Africa, Nigeria, and Central Africa representing a few of the hundreds of cultures on the continent of Africa.
African cultures speak a variety of languages and express their beliefs in many of their sculptures.
The variety of sculptural styles shows the rich cultural diversity of Africa. African art objects often serve a function, usually religious or political. The objects may be used for initiation, healing, funerals, power over an enemy or other purposes. Information about their function is included to help the viewer appreciate the complexity of the cultures.