Circuits of African Art/ Paths of Wood: Exploring an Anthropological Trail

Before reading this article I researched Paul Stoller, in effort to get a better understanding of who he is and to also get a better understanding of the origin and nature of his works. In doing so I found out that Paul Stoller is an anthropologist was has been conducting research for about 30 years. His studies of West African immigrant in New York started in 1992, which has resulted in involving topics like the cultural dynamics of informal market economies and politics of immigration. His work has resulted in 11 publications which are widely read and recognized. ("Anthropology & Sociology) In this article Paul Stoller investigates the effects that evolution has on African Art. He starts with a scene set at The Ney York International Tribal Antiques Show at the Seventh Regent Armory on Park Avenue. As he highlights that African Art has been altered in the way the Western World perceived the art to be, he continues to provide evidence that indeed economic and social forces of globalization has changed the world of art. “There is a vast and varied literature on the social and economic impact of the globalization. Several analysts argue that globalization has fundamentally altered the nature of cultural processes, political dynamics and social interaction.” (Stoller 209) After reflecting on this statement, I believe that the Western World interpretation of the art may have predicted the way in which people interacted with African Art. Because African Artists, in most cases, did not have the chance share their story, the true sense of the arts was lost. The purpose of African art was not to satisfy the people themselves but it was meant to be spiritually engaging. “In West Africa religious crossroads are place stepped in religious significance… The crossroads is a metaphor that captures the complex dynamics of contemporary social worlds.” (Stoller 221) After reading this article, it seemed to me as if the idea was to get the observer of the art to feel as if he/she was a part of the artist’s reality. The artists were trying to create a window into their beliefs. They told stories through the art but the disconnection between the Africans and the people of the Western World caused African art to be objectified and also categorized as “primitive”. Thanks to the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition entitled “Primitivism”, African art became more acceptable. Famous artist has also been inspired by African art which also helped in the acceptance. “From this brief transaction, buyers and sellers leave with vastly different impressions of their encounter. The buyers, on the one hand, depart with artifacts of seemingly remote and distant cultures that will become integrated into a world of meaning and value comprehensibly only through Western eyes. The sellers, on the other hand, walk away with renewed impressions of Western tastes and desires that will become apart of their store of knowledge of how tourists and collectors perceive Africa and its art” (Stoller, 222) After reading how Stoller’s account of the immensely different views I thought about if I was an artist during this time. The thought of Westerners importing my art for the sole purpose of thinking that the art was more important in their “world of meaning and value” as oppose to mine would enrage me. It is so sad to think that during this time of exchange the Africans thought that the tourist’s perception of Africa and their art has been improved. But I agree with Stoller when he says, that although these crossroads can possibly lead to a greater understanding of different cultures sometimes they can lead to misunderstanding and anger. Despite the misconception, trade had become a catalyst for Africa. Not only was it responsible for the rise of almost every empire in the region but it also contributed to enormous amount of culture brought into Africa. According to Stoller, as far as tourists are concerned the export of art from Africa is now being accepted as a means of developing the country. More people are able to relate to the traditions of African culture and because of this African culture as a whole has become more globalised. We can all agree that trade was the cause of the success, but I believe that no matter the reason, it is always important to artist of these works exists and therefore there is a significance for that culture. “In the end, the art that they sell has only a fleeting value. It is a material investment that enables many of them to meet their considerable economic and social obligations. These obligations have evolved historically- from Islam and from the history of long distance trading in West Africa.”(Stoller 228) Overall, from reading this article, I am more conscious of the effects globalization had on African art. I have learned more about the obstacles and difficulties faced by the African during the times of trade. I have also learned that although the travelling of African art may have started off undesirable the outcome has been incredible. By following the art from remote villages to fast-paced city like New York I have a better understanding and connection to African art now. I would definitely recommend anyone studying not only art but also business to read this article. It is very interesting and informative. The article was very well written and kept me engrossed the whole time. I also have a better appreciation for art and its significance, not only to the African culture but to all cultures.

Work Cited

1. “Anthropology & Sociology - Paul Stoller - West Chester University." Anthropology & Sociology - Paul Stoller - West Chester University. Stable URL: http://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/sch_cas.ant/profiles/paulstoller.asp 2. “Circuits of African Art / Paths of Wood: Exploring an Anthropological Trail”
Paul Stoller
Anthropological Quarterly
Vol. 76, No. 2 (Spring, 2003), pp. 207-234
Published by: The George Washington University Institute for Ethnographic Research
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3318399