Africa is the second largest continent in the world. Throughout the centuries African aritsts and craft workers have produced utensils, textiles, personal ornaments, weaponry and ritual objects used in everyday life. The Ulster Museum is fortunate to have over four hundred African objects dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ashanti gold weights
The art of weaving was established very early on the African continent. Textiles were made from many materials and a wide range of basketwork was made from leaves, bark and reeds. This coil woven conical hat from West Africa is covered on the outside with cut grassesHat.
Africa is very rich in mineral deposits such as copper, iron, gold and silver. Knowledge of metal smelting began very early and by 400BC, the cattle herders and cereal growers of the savanna knew how to smelt iron. Smiths were both revered and feared for their ability.
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