The HAF article: “Art Now… as Historical Commentary on HAF: Greco-Roman” is a revelation, a Rosetta Stone deciphering the hidden African presence in Greco-Roman art. As an environmentalist who champions JEDI principles, I see a chilling parallel in the erasure of African contributions to art and ecology.
“History is written by the victors,” Ron Shelton says, and this rings more accurate than ever in the face of environmental narratives that often overlook the deep-rooted wisdom and sustainable practices of indigenous communities, particularly those with African roots. Just as the “caucasoid model” dominates Greco-Roman art history, the narrative of “untamed wilderness” often overshadows the intricate web of knowledge and stewardship woven by generations of African peoples living in harmony with their environment.
You offer a beacon of hope, a promise to excavate the lost narratives and silenced voices, not just from marble and gold but from the soil beneath our feet. Imagine unearthing the agricultural techniques that nurtured the Nile Valley, the water harvesting systems that tamed the Sahara, and the intricate understanding of ecosystems that allowed communities to thrive for millennia. These are not just relics of the past but blueprints for a future we desperately need.
“Representations of Negro peoples appear in every major period of classical art. Yet very few illustrations of blacks are included in handbooks and histories of Greek and Roman art; and when they are, the same small group of examples is chosen. Such a practice creates the impression that the Negro was not a familiar sight in the ancient world.” Frank M Snowden, Jr., 1976
By reclaiming the African presence in art and ecology, we reclaim a vital part of ourselves, a forgotten thread in the tapestry of human history. We rediscover the power of diverse perspectives, the wisdom of living in balance with nature, and the resilience of communities that have weathered the storms of erasure and continue to bloom.
Thank you, Ron, for igniting this fire. Let HAF be the torch that illuminates a path toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. With our preferred mediums ready to unearth the truth, we’ll be there, one artist, one seed at a time.
To view the original article, visit https://highartfridays.com/art-history-750-african-greco-roman/
Featured image: The Cameo – intaglio mounted in a ring 5th century BC
With an extensive commitment to community welfare, Philena Seldon serves as a dedicated board member and volunteer for numerous local and national organizations, where her expertise and passion drive positive change. Additionally, she assumes the role of a proficient facilitator within a local community development corporation, contributing to her community’s ongoing growth and prosperity.