There is a Zulu proverb, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (“A person is a person through other people,” or “I am because we are”), which I believe sums up the African Spirit.
Africa has a rich and diverse culture, which varies from region to region, country to country, and community by community. In Kenya, for instance, there are over 42 indigenous peoples with unique traditions and ways of life. There is no doubt that there are many differences between the various peoples of Africa, but there are also many surprisingly striking similarities. Let’s embark on the journey of rediscovering what the African brand is, what our shared culture is, and how the African Culture influences our present-day art and design.
African Design
African Design celebrates and reflects the cultural heritage of its people. It tells the story of the land and its people in simple and often natural forms, utilising locally available material in most cases. African Design incorporates the use of earth, carvings & sculptures, and flora and fauna to symbolise key aspects of the local culture. It more often than not involves the use of traditional crafts and techniques passed down from generation to generation.
As Dr Lilac Osanjo so nicely puts it, Afrikan Design is any design that is referenced from the African Continent, i.e. the environment, its people, ceremonies, architecture, plants & animals, artefacts, folklore, indigenous technology, and so on.
Afrikan Design Breakdown
Prof. Mugendi M’Rithaa highlights what he believes best describes Afrikan Design. He uses the initials D.E.S.I.G.N. to show its main aspects.
- D: Afrikan Design is Discursive; it invites people into discussion and debate
- E: Afrikan Design is Eclectic; it inspires, and is also inspired by other cultures
- S: Afrikan Design is Symbolism-rich; communicates using traditional illustrations and colours with deeper meaning
- I: African Design is Intricate; with fine details and sophisticated patterns
- G: Afrikan Design is Generative; not wasteful, and utilising most of the available material to create newness
- N: Afrikan Design is Novel; new and original, making use of innovative technology
“I’m not an African because I was born in Africa, but because Afrika was born in me.”
– Kwame Nkrumah
African Architecture
African Architecture entails the creation of buildings that are uniquely adapted to their environment. These structures are often built using locally available materials, and their designs frequently reflect natural forms. Architecture is used to depict key aspects of the local culture, utilising materials such as earth (e.g. mud-bricks & pottery), metal works, sticks & timber, rocks & stones, as well as carvings & sculptures to communicate religious and cultural beliefs.
African Architecture uses open spaces and interconnectivity with nature to create a sense of oneness with the environment. The courtyard at the centre of the homestead brings the outdoors indoors and creates a space for communion. Through the use of colours and patterns, designers can influence emotions and communicate cultural narratives, effectively passing down essential cultural information through their work.
African Architecture creates a sense of community by uniting people through design that embodies the values and beliefs of local populations, while also reflecting the status of the building’s users. Contemporary African Architecture is being shaped by modern designers such as Francis Kéré, David Adjaye, and Christian Benimana. These architects honour traditional African architecture by incorporating traditional craftsmanship, locally sourced materials, and modern design and construction technologies.
Afrikan Design, Modern Tech
In Japan, there’s a term, Yamato-damashii (大和魂, “Japanese spirit”), which describes Indigenous Japanese cultural values as opposed to cultural values of foreign nations. Japan has been able to preserve its own culture and modernise without westernising. The Japanese model is one worth emulating.
We, the African people, have an obligation to preserve our culture while at the same time leveraging new technology to create maximum value. African Culture is people-centred and prioritises the welfare of present and future generations, as opposed to modern Western Culture, which is materialistic and acquisitive.
By injecting a dose of modern technology to the African creative process, keeping in mind the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) – where the vital 20% is the African cultural heritage expressed with the aid of modern technology, African designers of today can create contemporary works that are true to their roots while at the same time serving the needs of the African people.
Additional Information
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Good post!
Thank you!