05/15/2013

How does their identity as Muslims affect African traders views

and actions in the art trade?
While the Africans regard their wood as gods, Muslims believe that this is
wrong and that wood is not anything significant in regards to being a god.
To nonbelievers, they see the wood as a god but to Muslims, it is just a
piece of wood.
What uses are described for the various objects that are being
sold as artworks?
What makes an African object woodvaluable to Western
consumers?
How are sculptures of colonial officials interpreted by the various
parties involved in the art trade?
For Americans, they are of value and they like those kinds of sculptures
but the sculptors do not understand why they are in such high demand.
Some people believe that they are making fun of Americans and that they
are comical. Other believe that they have been making this art since a
long time and that this is culture while others feel that they must
transcend the past and create new works of art
What do the various parties involved in the trade meant by
authentic? Do you think they could agree on a single definition?
Many people define authenticity in many different levels. Some people
believe that it is authentic when people of that tribe made it while others
believe that its is authentic when people use that and they believe in the
power of their art. I dont think that they can agree on a single definition.
How do the various parties (African artists, collectors, dealers,
etc.) involved in the art trade enhance the value (or at least the
price) of works of art?
What do African manufacturers and traders do to make their
wood appealing to Western consumers?
They say that they have never seen this type of piece before and they
stain their sculptures black to make it seem older and more authentic.
According to one reviewer, The films thematic unity, percetive
subtitling, and reflexive irony make it a groundbreaking
masterwork. Its ethnographic authenticity and its humor make it
unforgettable. It advances the art of ethnographic filmmaking to
new heights. Do you agree with this reviewers assessment? Why
or why not?