Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art?

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The head is conceptualized as the source of personhood in African culture, and its adornment is a conscious projection of self, status, and cultural belonging. Among the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Tabwa of Zaire, the head is the seat of personaldestiny and wisdom. The Kaguru of Tanzania believes that the head connects with the place of birth and death, and it is forbidden to touch it. The head became an important symbol in art because it represented the higher faculties of the human mind.

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Academic.Tips. (2022) 'Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art'. 4 November.

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Academic.Tips. (2022, November 4). Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art? https://academic.tips/question/why-is-the-image-of-the-head-such-an-important-symbol-in-traditional-african-art/

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art?" November 4, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/why-is-the-image-of-the-head-such-an-important-symbol-in-traditional-african-art/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art?" November 4, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/why-is-the-image-of-the-head-such-an-important-symbol-in-traditional-african-art/.

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Academic.Tips. "Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art?" November 4, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/why-is-the-image-of-the-head-such-an-important-symbol-in-traditional-african-art/.

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"Why is the image of the head such an important symbol in traditional African art?" Academic.Tips, 4 Nov. 2022, academic.tips/question/why-is-the-image-of-the-head-such-an-important-symbol-in-traditional-african-art/.

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