5 Things You Don’t Know…

The world’s oldest known abstract art was discovered in Africa.

Ancient engraved ochre pieces found in Blombos Cave, South Africa, are over 70,000 years old—older than any known European cave art.

The Benin Bronzes were so technically advanced that Europeans couldn’t believe Africans made them.

When the bronzes were first seen by Europeans in the 19th century, experts assumed they came from ancient Greece because of their mastery in metallurgy.

Ethiopia has one of the longest continuous Christian art traditions in the world.

From illuminated manuscripts to rock-hewn church murals, Ethiopian sacred art dates back over 1,600 years.like love, rivalry, prosperity, or unity.

African textile designs contain hidden communication codes.

From Ghana’s Adinkra symbols to Nigeria’s Nsibidi and Uganda’s barkcloth patterns, traditional fabrics are visual languages carrying proverbs, status, and philosophy.From there, local women developed a deep cultural connection with the cloth, adopting it into ceremonies, daily
wear, and even social signalling.

The largest open-air art market in West Africa is in Lagos.

The Lekki Arts and Crafts Market brings together hundreds of artisans, sculptors, painters, and carvers from across the continent.