The Arts of Africa Map | Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

This dynamic animated map visualizes the emergence of artistic traditions through the complex and interconnected history of migration, trade, and empire across Africa.

The history of Africa dates as far back as 150,000 BCE, starting with paintings created by Southern Africa's earliest known inhabitants, the San. This dynamic animated map visualizes the emergence of artistic traditions through the complex and interconnected history of migration, trade, and empire across Africa. In response to changing political, religious, and material contexts, artists across the continent generated an array of new genres, many of which can be seen today in the newly reenvisioned Arts of Africa galleries at The Met.


Contributors

Contributors:
Alisa LaGamma, Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer Curator for African Art, Curator in Charge of The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
Jenny Peruski, Assistant Curator, Arts of Africa
Imani Roach, former Assistant Curator, Arts of Africa
Geoffrey Wallace, Cartographer

Production Company: Motion Principles Studio

Director and Managing Producer: Mandy Kritzeck
Executive Producer: Sarah Wambold
Senior Graphic Designer: Tiffany Kim
Design Manager: Alexandre Viault
Editor: Alison Tretter
Studio Manager: Erin Stella

Special Thanks to
Hannah Chen
Malvika Dang
Doris Zhao


Front view of a sikien house
Video
Hear from local artisans who aim to preserve the vibrant architectural legacy of the remarkable Batammariba houses or sikien of Koutammakou.
May 31
View of stone walls at Great Zimbabwe
Video
Explore the impressive stone wall ruins of the largest man-made structure in medieval sub-Saharan Africa.
May 31
Drone view of Benin City
Video
Meet the archeologists who are advocating for the preservation and continued study of these remarkable structures.
May 31
More in:Africa in Focus