ARTISTRY

An art form which is unique to the region of Tanzania is called Makonde carving (Image 9). African blackwood (Image 10) or mpingo is the material used for carving. This artwork is created by the Makonde people of southern Tanzania. Makonde carving is symbolic as it represents a reflection of tribal myths and stories (West and Sharpes 2002).

TingaTinga paintings (Images 11 and 12) are an art form which first developed in the 1960's. A man named Eduardo TingaTinga from Mozambique established this art form during his experiences in his new homeland of Tanzania. In the paintings below, the decorative vines and patterns are influenced by Swahili culture which illustrate the origins and meetings between east and west in eastern Africa.