Integrating African Art In Home Decorating

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Museums and major primitive art dealers across the globe have been collecting African art for many centuries. In the 1980’s and 90’s, African art in the United States took off in a big way because it was embraced by the middle class and many African-Americans. Art enthusiasts who follow and acquire African art do so for different reasons – appeal, history, prestige, pleasure, or investment.

Historically, “Primitive” African art was made for ritualistic purposes – dance, ancestral or spiritual worship. Overtime they became more identified with celebratory, decorative, and functional features. Institutional and wealthy investors are still engaged in acquiring original pieces made in the early twentieth century and before for their investment and historical value. If you are in this niche, the best advice is to connect with museums or licensed dealers who have the expertise in identifying such investment grade pieces.

The vast majority of people who buy today’s African art are searching for pieces they can “live with”. While still quality conscious and with a strong interest in African history, and culture, they want pieces that can be incorporated in their lifestyle and decorating themes. African Heritage Collection taps into this niche by offering a wide array of eye-pleasing functional and decorative pieces to select from. These pieces have a broad appeal and it only takes an imaginative mind to come up with ways to incorporate them in any interior or exterior decor. Professional decorators are also a great resource for creative ideas.

Contemporary African art incorporates many western influences in unique ways and with different finish options – smooth, traditional or antique. Equally important is the strong symbolism African art projects. Many of today’s artisans today draw on local images, personal or family experiences in carving their piece. It is not surprising that many pieces reflect some kind of social message or interpretation.

Like any market, there is a wide disparity in quality, authenticity, and pricing in the African art so you have to train your eye to the right purchase. Different regions on the African continent make their pieces from different media, colors, and textures. Even the shapes can be different. Repeat buyers may find it fairly easy to distinguish Ghanaian art from Senegal, Kenya, Zimbabwe. For this reason we recommend you get to know your art dealer and ask a lot of questions – the country of origin, symbolism, artisan story, material used, and product care. Only then can you get a good feel for its authenticity.

The market for African art grows as more people of different backgrounds travel and discover various parts of the continent. With more education, the art takes on new meaning and the desire to integrate it into any home theme