Birds are a positive symbol in many African cultures. These bird images have been provided by Tribal-Art-Auction House Zemanek-Münster all images are copyrighted and may only be used for in class use by teachers (no commercial use). For any other use please contact Tribal Art. These images are provided to inspire a sculpture lesson in abstract art. Try plaster addition (gauze), paper maché or ceramic. Wood assemblage would also work.

   
  Benin Bird                                                               Benin Bird                                       Bwa Mask
  All images  ©Copyright Archive Tribal-Art-Auctionhouse Zemanek-Münster

 
  Guinea Bird                                      Kamerun Mask
  All images  ©Copyright Archive Tribal-Art-Auctionhouse Zemanek-Münster
 
  Mossi Mask                                                                                                               Gere Mask
  All images  ©Copyright Archive Tribal-Art-Auctionhouse Zemanek-Münster

   
  Senufo Mask                                Madagascar Bird                   We Bird Mask
  All images  ©Copyright Archive Tribal-Art-Auctionhouse Zemanek-Münster

See The Sejen bird figures of the Senufo People, Côte d'Ivoire by David Zemanek 

Among the Senufo, cast-metal or wooden staffs depicting birds with extended wings were presented to the winners of agricultural competitions. Possession of such staffs identified young men as champion cultivators.
In newer staff, the birds are sometimes replaced with airplanes.

For many images of birds in African art - try the search on National Museum of African Art Site.

Paper Mache Birds Lesson Plan - Plaster Addition Lesson Plan

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