학술논문
Africa: Materials and techniques
Document Type
Reference Entry
Author
Berns, Marla C., author; Chappel, T. J. H., author; Carey, Margret, author; Curnow, Kathy, author; Dewey, William J., author; Frank, Barbara E., author; Herbert, Eugenia, author; Kennedy, Carolee G., author; Kreamer, Christine Mullen, author; Mack, John, author; Smith, Fred T., author; Soppelsa, Robert T., author; Tobert, Natalie, author
Source
Oxford Art Online, 2003, ill.
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
In its raw state as soil, earth is the basic component of mud and ceramics, two of the commonest materials in African art and architecture, as well as being an ingredient in the manufacture of bricks and paints. Earth is both the simplest of materials and the most malleable. Its uses range from the simple smeared designs of some traditions of body decoration to complex sculptural and architectural forms. Natalie Tobert Depending on the amount of water present mud can be a liquid, paste or solid. Technically mud is a very wet soil or clay, forming a sub-aqueous sediment, with a particle size of not less than 0.004 mm. Any mineral substance can be made into mud with sufficient liquid, and the liquid is the medium by which the substance is applied. While the term 'mud' is used here, it should be noted that some scholars have preferred the term earth, since 'mud' is said to have pejorative connotations (e.g. see Cranstone). With clay and water mud can be fashioned into almost any shape or form. It can be used to make sculptures and items of personal adornment, to make dwellings or to decorate buildings....