14.1 History of African Art Collections in Europe and North America

African art collections have a complex history, shaped by colonialism and changing perspectives. From curiosities to fine art, these objects have sparked debates about ownership and cultural significance. Their journey reflects broader shifts in how we understand and value diverse artistic traditions.

Today, museums grapple with ethical concerns and repatriation requests. Digital technologies offer new ways to share and study African art, while collaborations with African communities aim to provide more accurate cultural context. These evolving approaches seek to address past injustices and celebrate African artistic heritage.

Historical Development of African Art Collections

Development of African art collections

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• Colonial period (15th-19th centuries) European explorers and traders acquired African objects as curiosities displayed in cabinets of curiosities (Wunderkammern)
• Late 19th century increased colonial expansion in Africa spurred systematic collection of African artifacts (masks, sculptures)
• Early 20th century African art influenced European modernist artists (Picasso, Matisse) growing interest in "primitive" art among Western collectors
• Mid-20th century decolonization movements in Africa shifted viewing African art as fine art rather than ethnographic specimens
• Late 20th century to present increased focus on provenance and ethical acquisition sparked repatriation debates and return of artifacts to African countries (Benin Bronzes)
• Digital technologies enabled virtual access to collections through online databases and 3D scanning

Key figures in collection formation

• Individuals
  • Leo Frobenius German ethnologist collected extensively in Africa documented oral traditions and material culture
  • Emil Torday Hungarian-British anthropologist collected in Congo focused on Kuba and Pende peoples
  • Charles Ratton French art dealer specialized in African art introduced African art to European avant-garde
  • Helena Rubinstein cosmetics entrepreneur and African art collector amassed significant private collection
• Museums and institutions
  • British Museum London houses extensive African collection including Benin Bronzes
  • Musée du Quai Branly Paris showcases non-Western art including large African collection
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art New York features African art gallery and hosts temporary exhibitions
  • Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Washington D.C. dedicated solely to African art and culture
  • Royal Museum for Central Africa Tervuren Belgium houses artifacts from Belgian Congo colonial period

Impact and Changing Approaches

Colonialism's impact on African art

• Acquisition methods
  1. Military expeditions and looting during colonial conquests (Benin Expedition of 1897)
  2. Unequal trade relationships and coercion exploited local populations
  3. Scientific and anthropological expeditions collected artifacts under guise of research
• Interpretation and display
  • Decontextualization of objects from original cultural settings removed spiritual and social significance
  • Emphasis on aesthetic qualities over cultural significance overlooked complex meanings
  • Reinforcement of colonial narratives and stereotypes perpetuated misconceptions about African cultures
• Cultural appropriation
  • Incorporation of African artistic elements into Western art without proper attribution (Cubism)
  • Commodification of African cultural heritage turned sacred objects into marketable goods
• Legacy
  • Ongoing debates about ownership and repatriation challenge museum collections globally
  • Challenges in reconstructing provenance and original context complicate return efforts

Evolving approaches to art collection

• Early approach curiosity and exoticism viewed African objects as curiosities or "primitive" artifacts (Darwinian perspective)
• Modernist period aesthetic appreciation recognized formal qualities and influence on Western art (abstraction, cubism)
• Post-colonial era cultural relativism increased emphasis on understanding objects within their cultural context
• Late 20th century ethical considerations developed guidelines for ethical collecting practices (ICOM Code of Ethics)
• 21st century collaborative approaches formed partnerships between Western institutions and African communities (community curators)
• Digital age virtual access and global dialogue created online databases and virtual exhibitions increasing accessibility (Google Arts & Culture)