African sculpture is a highly developed and extremely sophisticated art. African sculpture was scarcely known outside its own continent until late in the nineteenth century, but during the twentieth century, its liberating and refreshing effect on Western art has been immeasurable.

Traditionally, once a statue is carved, it is consecrated and thus endowed with ritual powers, ready to function.  Such sculpture becomes bound in an ambiguous relationship with man.  The ‘power’ it possesses must be courted with prayer and offerings, but these forces may also be compelled to do the bidding of the supplicant.