... is evidence that considerable dissemination of influences took place along trade routes that traversed the continent from early times. Today, for example, many Islamic art and architectural forms of North African inspiration appear among cultures south of the Sahara. In addition, research has pointed to concurrent influences of sub-Saharan African arts and cultures on northern African areas closer to the Mediterranean. Egyptian art and architecture, one of the most resplendent of African traditions, can also be seen as having important ancient artistic and cultural connections with sub-Saharan African civilizations.The arts of Africa reflect the rich histories, philosophies, religions, and societies of the inhabitants of this vast continent. African art, in addition to its inherent significance to the peoples who produced it, has also inspired some of the most important modern art and architecture of Europe and America. Twentieth-century Western artists have admired the emphasis on abstraction in African art and ...

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