Verticality

Definition

Verticality refers to the quality of being upright or oriented in a vertical direction. In the context of Dogon and Bambara art, verticality emphasizes height and the representation of human figures and structures in a way that conveys spiritual significance and connection to the heavens. This artistic feature highlights the cultural importance of the sky and ancestors, reflecting beliefs in spiritual elevation and connection to the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Dogon art, verticality is frequently seen in sculptures and architectural elements that reach upwards, symbolizing a connection to the celestial realm.
2. Bambara artists often employ vertical forms in their masks and figures to evoke a sense of ascent toward spiritual enlightenment.
3. Verticality is not just an aesthetic choice; it represents deeper philosophical ideas about life, death, and the afterlife in Dogon and Bambara cultures.
4. Artworks featuring verticality often utilize elongated shapes that enhance the visual impact and convey a sense of movement toward the heavens.
5. Both Dogon and Bambara communities see verticality as a reflection of their beliefs about creation, where the earth connects with the sky through artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How does verticality manifest in Dogon art, and what does it signify within their cultural context?
  • In Dogon art, verticality manifests through tall sculptures and architectural elements that emphasize height and a connection to spiritual beliefs. This orientation towards the sky reflects the Dogon's view of life and death, where upward movement symbolizes ascension to a higher spiritual realm. The height of these artworks serves not only as an aesthetic choice but also reinforces their cultural significance related to ancestors and celestial beings.
• Discuss how Bambara artistic practices incorporate verticality and its implications for their cultural identity.
  • Bambara artistic practices incorporate verticality through elongated figures in masks and other artworks. This vertical orientation is not merely decorative; it signifies aspirations toward spiritual enlightenment and embodies key aspects of their cultural identity. By emphasizing height, Bambara artists communicate important narratives about connection to their ancestors, community values, and the overarching belief in a greater spiritual world that transcends the physical realm.
• Evaluate the role of verticality in both Dogon and Bambara art as a reflection of broader African cosmological beliefs.
  • Verticality in both Dogon and Bambara art serves as a powerful reflection of broader African cosmological beliefs regarding life, death, and spiritual connectivity. It illustrates how these cultures view existence as a continuum between earthly life and the divine. By using vertical forms, artists express profound themes of ascension and connection to ancestral spirits, suggesting that human experiences are interwoven with higher realms. This commonality across cultures highlights a shared understanding of existence that transcends individual artistic expressions.

Related terms

Sculpture: A three-dimensional work of art that can be carved, modeled, or assembled, often conveying themes or stories relevant to the culture from which it originates.

Ancestral Worship: A practice of honoring and revering deceased ancestors, which plays a significant role in the spiritual beliefs of many African cultures, influencing art and rituals.

Spirituality: A broad concept encompassing the search for meaning, connection to the divine, and exploration of existence, often reflected in artistic expression.