Art

Tanzania is renowned across the world for its wood sculpture, often known as Makonde Art. Wood carving has a long history with the Makonde tribe of Southern Tanzania and Northern Mozambique. Their carvings typically depict natural items (animals, people), but today the most famous style is "Shetani," which features devils in a variety of shapes and a family tree that symbolizes the continuity of tradition. Traditional iron tools are used for the carving, which is often done on ebony wood. The many types of depiction include realistic and abstract.

Tanzanians have more recently evolved their own unique kind of art, which consists mostly of vivid depictions of communal life, nature, evil spirits, etc. Edward Said Tingatinga, a member of the "makua" tribe in southern Tanzania, is credited with creating this style of art. Despite having no formal schooling, he managed to create incredibly unique paintings in a manner that was unheard of anyplace else in the world. He was a gifted artist. In honor of the pioneer artist who passed away in 1972 at the age of 35, this vibrant painting style that depicts Tanzanian nature and everyday life has been dubbed "Tingatinga Art" and is now well known overseas as indigenous Tanzanian art.