African carvings, consisting of sculpture, fetishes and utilitarian household items, do not distinguish between objects that were made for ritual purposes and those that were intended for everyday use. Because of this, the distinctive characteristics of African sculpture are the same in both types of objects. Voluminous areas are balanced by hollow areas or by negative spaces, which become just as important as the dense masses. Most African sculpture combines the important elements of balance, good craftsmanship, fine detail and attention to finish. It was important, where the human form was used, to show it as an idealized image in the prime of life, radiating health and strength.

Because each creation must always be recognizable and a true representation of the traditions that produced it, the objects deviate from an established style in only small details. They are variations on very specific themes. Although we admire them as art, they had totally different meanings for their creators. The fact that there is no one word in most of the thousand or so languages still spoken in Africa that translates into the word “art” helps to verify that most of what we consider “African Art” was in fact, produced for utilitarian purposes.

One of the main purposes of much of the African carvings, including sculpture, as well as fetishes, is to facilitate communication between supernatural beings and forces, and the people. Large sculptures were often used to assure the general well being of the entire community. Smaller ones were often used by individuals to bring similar benefits to themselves and their families. Other carvings were done to indicate the wealth and status of their owners.

The strong aesthetic sense evident in the ritual objects and sculptures is what first caught the interest of art lovers throughout the world. The African artisans infused their creations with the universal standards of balance, form, design and craftsmanship. The artisan was schooled from childhood in the traditions and beliefs of their culture and were then trained in their craft. Through instinct, they made their objects understandable, beautiful and useable.

In observing sculpture, masks or wood carved fetishes if you know what to look for, it is possible to tell if the item is old or has been frequently used. It is impossible to duplicate the smoothness that is created by the frequent touch of the human hand. When you pick up a wooden object, note the way you picked it up. This will usually be the way other people picked it up and the smoothness, created by the touch of the human hand will be notable in this area.