ART ACCORDING TO THE AKAMBA COMMUNITY
In most of the African communities, art is generally about the people's way of life. Art themes are mainly based on the representation of the daily life and the real African culture. I being part of the Bantu speaking group in Kenya especially the Akamba community, can relate well to how art is showcased at different stages of ones life in our community.
The Akamba community are known to have originated from the Congo forest in West Africa. Art in the Akamba community is evident through; decorations of the body, homes and ritual objects specifically to enhance physical appearance or for glamour. In this case art is considered beautiful.
The Akamba people are considered the best skilled carvers, who can practically make simple and magnificent artefacts which are used as pieces of art to decorate their homesteads. Basket weaving is another traditional skill which is practised by women during leisure time constructively to make colourful baskets.
Art in the Akamba community revolves round on the daily activities in terms of the literature: the ethnic language of the Akamba, their jewellery which mainly consists of attached bead work, their form of music and traditional dance and lastly their graphic art on the artefacts made.
The Akamba also view art as part of their traditional music and dance which gives them an identity and makes them a unique community. The popular music of the Akamba is referred to as 'benga', which is sang at rituals and entertainment events, music as an art is expressed by use of traditional music instruments such as drums and guitars.
Art is also a form of dance amongst the Akamba community in that different traditional dances are performed at specific events, for example: a dance style called 'kilumi' is performed at healing and rain making ceremonies, and 'kamandiko' better known as the modern disco is usually held after a wedding party.
Art is also expressed in dressing, for instance women adorn themselves with knee-length leather embellished with bead work while men adorn on leather shorts made from animal skin and jewellery such as neck-chains, bracelets and anklets.
Art as form of dance displayed agility and athletic skills as the Akamba could perform acrobatics and other body movements in traditional events. Art in the Akamba community is about bringing the bond closer and being uniquely different from other communities.
The Akamba community are known to have originated from the Congo forest in West Africa. Art in the Akamba community is evident through; decorations of the body, homes and ritual objects specifically to enhance physical appearance or for glamour. In this case art is considered beautiful.
The Akamba people are considered the best skilled carvers, who can practically make simple and magnificent artefacts which are used as pieces of art to decorate their homesteads. Basket weaving is another traditional skill which is practised by women during leisure time constructively to make colourful baskets.
Art in the Akamba community revolves round on the daily activities in terms of the literature: the ethnic language of the Akamba, their jewellery which mainly consists of attached bead work, their form of music and traditional dance and lastly their graphic art on the artefacts made.
The Akamba also view art as part of their traditional music and dance which gives them an identity and makes them a unique community. The popular music of the Akamba is referred to as 'benga', which is sang at rituals and entertainment events, music as an art is expressed by use of traditional music instruments such as drums and guitars.
Art is also a form of dance amongst the Akamba community in that different traditional dances are performed at specific events, for example: a dance style called 'kilumi' is performed at healing and rain making ceremonies, and 'kamandiko' better known as the modern disco is usually held after a wedding party.
Art is also expressed in dressing, for instance women adorn themselves with knee-length leather embellished with bead work while men adorn on leather shorts made from animal skin and jewellery such as neck-chains, bracelets and anklets.
Art as form of dance displayed agility and athletic skills as the Akamba could perform acrobatics and other body movements in traditional events. Art in the Akamba community is about bringing the bond closer and being uniquely different from other communities.
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