| Africa is a truly unique Continent. With over 53 | | | | With the disappearance of traditions and other |
| countries, and about a thousand different | | | | aspects of African culture, works of traditional |
| languages; this is a land where diversity is normal. | | | | African art are becoming more and more scarce. |
| While in Africa, one finds different unique ethnic | | | | The art of previous generations was produced to |
| groups living within ten miles of each other to be | | | | meet religious and social needs that no longer |
| normal. | | | | exist within most groups of Africans today. |
| Even though group loyalties run very deep, people | | | | Quality works of ancient African art are becoming |
| still have longstanding relationships with each other. | | | | harder and harder to find. The value of this art |
| One of the most astounding things about Africa is | | | | has gone up accordingly; and much of the |
| the pace of change. Africa today is changing at a | | | | traditional artwork has left the continent for |
| faster rate than has ever been seen before. | | | | private collections overseas. People living in |
| Changes that took centuries in Western Europe | | | | poverty will often give up family heirlooms; some |
| and North America have happened in just a few | | | | passed down through generations; in order to |
| short decades in Africa. | | | | survive. |
| Where else in all of history have people moved so | | | | Artisans who create the art are also adopting |
| fast from tribal societies to modern nations? | | | | new world views, This also makes traditional work |
| Progress in Africa has been happening in a way | | | | of modern vintage somewhat less meaningful and |
| that has never been experienced anywhere else | | | | true to the original heritage. Just as the culture of |
| on the Globe. | | | | Africa is changing fast, in the same way it's art, |
| The goals of independence and nationalism among | | | | as a reflection of that culture also changes quickly. |
| many of Africa's people, has sped up the process | | | | The "new" art most commonly found in Africa |
| of breaking down barriers between tribal groups. | | | | today, tends to be much more commercial. |
| This merging of tribal cultures has further | | | | Instead of an artisan spending a tremendous |
| weakened the traditions already made weak from | | | | amount of time and emotional energy making a |
| contact with Western civilization. | | | | work of art, a person today is much more likely |
| Art is one of the most important parts of any | | | | to find something that is far less unique. Common |
| culture. In Africa, traditional art is becoming a thing | | | | and popular art themes today are virtually mass |
| of the past as quickly as the continent changes. | | | | produced for larger audiences. |