10.1 Changes in Art Production and Patronage

The Atlantic slave trade profoundly altered African art. It disrupted traditional practices, displaced skilled artisans, and led to the loss of cultural knowledge. New art forms emerged, blending African and European influences, while changes in patronage shifted artistic focus.

The trade's impact extended beyond aesthetics. It transformed artistic themes, incorporating slave trade imagery into traditional forms. Portable objects became popular exports, and European techniques like perspective were adopted. These changes reflected the broader societal upheaval caused by the slave trade.

Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade on African Art

Impact of Atlantic slave trade

Top images from around the web for Impact of Atlantic slave trade

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Black people - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Impact of Atlantic slave trade

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Black people - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Atlantic slave trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Disruption of traditional art-making practices upended established cultural norms
  • Displacement of skilled artisans led to loss of expertise in specific regions
  • Loss of cultural knowledge and techniques hindered transmission to future generations
• Emergence of new art forms reflected changing societal dynamics
  • Hybrid styles incorporating European influences blended traditional and foreign elements
  • Creation of art for European markets catered to Western tastes and demands
• Changes in patronage systems altered artistic production and themes
  • Shift from local rulers to European traders as primary patrons influenced artistic focus
  • Increased demand for portable art objects (ivory figurines, wooden masks) for export
• Alteration of artistic themes mirrored societal changes
  • Incorporation of slave trade imagery in traditional art forms (carved staffs, textiles)
  • Development of commemorative art related to the slave trade (memorial sculptures, shrines)

Shifts in artistic styles and themes

• Increased production of small, portable objects met new market demands
  • Ivory carvings became popular export items (figurines, tusks)
  • Brass and bronze figurines adapted traditional forms for European tastes
• Adoption of European artistic techniques transformed visual language
  • Use of perspective in visual arts added depth to 2D representations
  • Introduction of new materials like oil paints expanded artistic possibilities
• Thematic changes in artistic representation reflected cultural contact
  • Depictions of European traders and ships appeared in coastal art
  • Scenes of slave capture and transportation documented historical events
• Evolution of traditional art forms adapted to changing circumstances
  • Adaptation of masks and sculptures for European tastes (simplified forms, exotic motifs)
  • Incorporation of Christian iconography in some regions (crosses, biblical scenes)

European Influence and Economic Factors

Role of European patrons

• Commission of specific art objects shaped artistic production
  • Preference for exotic or "primitive" aesthetics influenced artistic styles
  • Demand for art that reflected European perceptions of Africa (wildlife, "tribal" imagery)
• Introduction of new materials and tools expanded artistic possibilities
  • Importation of glass beads, textiles, and metal provided new mediums
  • Influence on color palettes and decorative techniques (bright pigments, metallic accents)
• Documentation and collection practices affected artistic legacy
  • European travelers and missionaries as early collectors preserved historical artifacts
  • Creation of ethnographic records influencing artistic production and interpretation
• Establishment of trade networks facilitated artistic exchange
  • Development of coastal art markets catering to European tastes (Benin, Yoruba)
  • Spread of artistic styles across different African regions through trade routes

Economic and social influences

• Shift in economic power dynamics reshaped artistic patronage
  • Rise of coastal kingdoms engaged in slave trade (Dahomey, Asante) funded new art forms
  • Decline of interior empires and their artistic traditions (Mali, Songhai) altered cultural landscape
• Changes in social hierarchies impacted artistic production
  • Emergence of new elite classes associated with slave trade commissioned status symbols
  • Altered status of artists and artisans affected traditional guild systems
• Impact of demographic changes transformed artistic communities
  • Population decline in certain regions affecting artistic output and knowledge transmission
  • Migration and displacement leading to cultural exchange and fusion of styles
• Transformation of trade routes redirected artistic focus
  • Reorientation of artistic production towards coastal areas to meet European demand
  • Integration of inland artistic traditions with coastal styles created new aesthetic forms
• Influence of new wealth from the slave trade funded artistic innovation
  • Increased patronage for luxury items and prestige objects (gold jewelry, ornate textiles)
  • Investment in architectural projects showcasing new wealth (palaces, shrines)