Animal Symbolism in Africa.

For this research I looked at this website:

http://blog.africaimports.com/wordpress/2009/02/the-symbolism-of-animals-in-africa/

In african art, the use of animals is merely for show as each animal has a specific meaning within an image and to it’s artist. Each animal signifies certain characteristics. This is why, within african art, we see so many carvings and embroidery of animals.

• The lion: The lion is an emblem for royalty, strength, conguest, pride, wisdom, authority, courage and protection. The lioness represents the moon, femininity and fierce motherhood.

• The Leopard: The leopard, signifies ferocity, aggression, the great watcher and courage.

 

• The Elephant: The elephant represents strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, longevity and happiness. The elephant is a sign of happiness, especially when the trunk is pointing upwards. Since royalty use to ride upon elephants, this means that they symbolise status and power.

 

• The Camel: Many cultures see the camel as a symbol of laziness and arrogance. Although, Africa has a different view of the camel. In African art, the camel symbolises positivity and sobriety. For christians, the camel is a sign of temperance because the animal drops to it’s knees when it receives a burden.

This research has been very helpful and inspiring because it has enabled me to find out certain animal’s representations and what they mean when they are portrayed in an image. By researching into African animal art and it’s many meanings, this has enabled me to think about using animals in my bottle wrap design to express certain meanings related to Fever Tree’s chosen charity, Malaria No More UK.