Ethnographic Art

Ethnographic Art or Tribal Art as is it sometimes known is one of the great influences of modernist art eras. Pablo Picasso was influenced by the art work of these countries and this is seen in his African Period of Art. Ethnographic Art is derived from countries including Africa, Australia and parts of America where tribes are present.

The pieces of art work from these regions are mostly masks, paintings and carvings with a religious and spiritual meaning behind them, making these pieces very important to the people of these areas. Tribal art is distinguished against other parts of the world as the creativity and imagination is very different from the European way of life. This tribal art is a result of the colonization of these indigenous people, and many people disagree with the popularity which was obtained from the shipping of these objects.

The fashion world was inspired by the new cultures being explored across the globe, and as a result, Paul Poiret created some of the most distinguished items of fashion which rocked the globe. As an incurable Orientalist, he travelled far to find new materials to add to his new silhouette. However, by 1909 turbans and elaborate hats full of cages, lampshades, flowerpots and even cabbages were grossly popular. This turn in the fashion world is still at large in the modern day with designers such as Vivienne Westwood creating elaborate and tribal collections, therefore inspiring the high street and the every day look.