The Age of the Encounter Essay

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The Age of the Encounter was characterized by the exploration of many parts of the world leading to the connection between native cultures of people in India, Africa, and Asia with those established in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. In this regard, the exploration of non-Western art and its comparison with Western literature, music, paintings, or sculptures provides an understanding of the distinct features and their implications for learning about different cultures. This discussion post will explore the Mask of Iyoba and compare and contrast it with the Western artworks.

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Mask of Iyoba is one of the representations of the non-Western art that illustrates the differences between the two approaches. Created in Nigeria approximately in 1550, it portrays the Queen Mother, the mother of Oba king and is currently displayed at the Metropolitan Museum in New York (“Queen Mother Pendant Mask”). This object has a particular cultural meaning for the Oba people and can be used to examine the beliefs and traditions of this culture. In general, it showcases the wealth and power of the king.

A combination of materials was used to create this art piece, including iron, copper, and ivory. In this regard, one can argue that this mask displays a connection between the Western and non-Western because the ivory found in Africa attracted the Portuguese traders. However, the native people were able to receive materials such as copper and iron. The three mediums were used when creating the Queen Mother mask. This displays both similarities and differences of the two approaches to art since the medium used for sculptures by Western people was usually metal, while in Africa, it was ivory. The combination of the two is explained by the connection of the Oba people to Portuguese sailors who brought these materials to the continent. According to the Metropolitan Museum, “in Benin, ivory is related to the color white, a symbol of ritual purity” (“Queen Mother Pendant Mask,” para. 3). Therefore, the materials used in this artwork have a particular religious meaning for the Oba people. This is contrasting with the Western artworks because, in general, the medium had no specified connection to the theme of an art object.

An essential element of this mask is the mudfish and Portuguese traders located on the tiara. The fish was significant for the Oba, which explains the fact that it became a part of this artwork. Also, the Portuguese were considered sacred people by Oba for a while, which is connected to their portrayal on the mask. This abstract depiction of elements that were important for the people in Africa is another component that distinguishes the two art approaches. The Metropolitan Museum states that the Portuguese are a part of this artwork because they helped Oba gain wealth through cooperation and exchange of ivory, which was appreciated by the people (“Queen Mother Pendant Mask”). Thus, one can argue that unlike the Western art, items created in Africa are strongly connected to the historical, cultural, and political context, which is displayed not only in the theme of a particular work but also in the materials used.

Several distinct features of African art differ from that of other cultures. Firstly, abstraction is usually applied when portraying humans, which results in either distinct or subtle differences with actual people in comparison to an art piece. The Queen Mother is portrayed more realistically. However, her head is covered with designs of fish and sailors. In addition, her face is idealized, which is another distinct feature of the African art that differs these works from the Western, where people are portrayed more naturally. Next, this art can be considered a representation of the specific social roles that existed in Oba society. The Queen played an essential role for the Oba people, and her facial expression created with iron and copper emphasizes the power of this figure.

The specific form of art represented by the Queen Mother is another distinction. The mask, which is a standard item for African art is not a common element for Western art. This can be due to the importance of religious beliefs and the connection of religion to different artworks in the African culture. For instance, it was common to create masks or sculptures that would be further used in rituals and other traditions. Western sculptures, as was previously mentioned, focused more on the realistic portrayal of humans, and these works served an aesthetic purpose rather than a practical one. It can be argued that this is due to the specific application of the art items that was prevalent in Africa.

One can hypothesize that culture has a vital role in determining artistic approaches, which is especially evident when examining the example of Western and non-Western art. The specific differences between the cultural and social environments of these societies predetermined the central themes and techniques used in art. According to the Metropolitan Museum, “the Oba may have worn it at rites commemorating his mother, although today such pendants are worn at annual ceremonies of spiritual renewal and purification” (“Queen Mother Pendant Mask,” para. 2). The mask was not created for aesthetic reasons only, it had a remarkable spiritual meaning for this culture.

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However, one significant similarity that connects this artwork to those created in the Western countries is a focus on the individual. While in general non-Western art focuses primarily on the community and society and things that are crucial for it, this item displays one person. This individualism is a core characteristic of the Western sculptures and paintings and can be considered a linking point between the two distinct approaches to art. However, from another perspective, the importance of the Queen Mother to the Oba community may explain the portrayal of this individual.

One crucial aspect that offers new insight into the discussed question of Western and non-Western art is the modern non-national artworks that combine a variety of themes and techniques. One can argue that the age of Encounter was in part responsible for such transition since European people were able to familiarize themselves with other cultures. Thus, the modern approach combines elements that can be found in both western and non-Western art objects.

Overall, the mask of Queen Mother offers a great insight into the differences between African and Western art. In comparison, the Western art values realistic portrayal of people, while the mask approaches the matter differently by portraying the face without realism. In addition, the materials used to create Queen Mother and those applied for the development of Western sculptures differ as well. Therefore, the themes and approaches to art in the two explored areas vary greatly and are connected to social context and culture.

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IvyPanda. (2021) 'The Age of the Encounter'. 5 August.

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IvyPanda. 2021. "The Age of the Encounter." August 5, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-age-of-the-encounter/.

1. IvyPanda. "The Age of the Encounter." August 5, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-age-of-the-encounter/.


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