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| Africans have traditionally viewed animals as being part of the human world, in that many species are imbued with definite characteristics that portray every emotion and aspect of life. Even the smallest may have power to influence or change events: for example, the Praying Mantis, believed to have been The Creator in some cultures. Folklore and legend in Africa are well populated with members of the animal kingdom. |
Birds |
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Birds are usually a positive symbol in African art - emblematic of prosperity and protection. In Nigeria, the chicken is believed to have had a cosmic role in the creation of the universe - and it is a popular motif across Africa. The Yoruba of Nigeria bead fabulous crowns featuring birds, protective hornbill headdresses preside over Guro masks from the Ivory Coast, and the bird remains the national symbol of Zimbabwe. |
Elephants |
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African elephants are the largest land animals in the world. Those that live on the sub-Saharan savannahs are the largest, whilst the elephants that inhabit the forests of central and West Africa are smaller, as this lets them move around in thick vegetation more easily. Elephants are even found in the desert regions of Namibia, where they are purported to have longer legs to aid them walking in the sand. In Africa, elephants symbolise wisdom, prosperity, strength and longevity. |
Giraffes |
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Unique to Africa, the giraffe is the tallest animal on earth, reaching up to 18 feet high. Giraffes live on the savannah, where they browse on their favourite food, the acacia tree. Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of vertebrae in their neck as other mammals. There are a number of subspecies of giraffe, identified by differences in their colour, pattern and geographical distribution. |
Hippos |
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Hippos typically live for 45-50 years, in groups called a pod. They are very large animals, but surprisingly nimble, able to run faster than a human on land. During the day they avoid sunburn by remaining submerged in rivers and pools, but at dusk they emerge onto land to feed on grasses. In Africa the hippopotamus is venerated as a symbol of fertility, because of its affinity with both water and earth. |
Rhinos |
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There are two species of African rhinoceros: the white, or square-lipped rhino, and the black, or hook-lipped rhino. White rhinos graze on the savannah, whilst black rhinos browse on vegetation and prefer wooded areas. Valued for their horn - which is in fact not horn, but matted hair - rhinos have been poached to the extent that all five species (the other three species live in Asia) are endangered. |
Other Animals |
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Animals emblematic of tourist Africa - giraffes, rhinos, hippos, zebras and lions - are actually rarely represented in traditional African art; though contemporary art has evolved to embrace these. Rather, traditional art seems to concentrate on a limited range of animals, despite the continent's great bio-diversity. Chickens, leopards, antelope and pangolins are amongst some of the favourites. |
