Symbolic and Colour Legacies in African Decorative Arts and their use in the Interior Design of Homes in a Contemporary Style

Abstract

African arts are linked to the natural life of the African Negro peoples in all aspects of life, including climate, nature, life practices, beliefs, and religious rituals. These aspects and factors influenced the African arts and artistic decorations, imprinting them with a special, unique character that distinguished them from all other arts. The study aimed to shed light. On the African artistic and decorative heritage by revealing the expressive meanings of symbols and colours in African art and the extent of the possibility of employing it in the field of interior design of the residence in a contemporary manner that keeps pace with modern developments. The study followed the descriptive and analytical approach to African arts and decorations. It also followed the applied approach of employing African art in the interior design of the residence. In a contemporary style, Among the most important results of the study: The African decorative artistic heritage can be employed in the interior design of the residence in a contemporary style, through which the aesthetics of symbolic and color-expressive connotations can be demonstrated, and enrichment with creative decorative designs in the field of interior design and contemporary furniture. The success of African artistic designs in interior design is based on the designer’s knowledge of the decorative and artistic heritage and the expressive, symbolic, and color connotations consistent with the design, combining function and beauty, and are not limited to the aesthetic aspect only. Among the most important recommendations of the study is the need to expand the circle of knowledge by shedding light on the aesthetics of African arts through scientific courses, research, and documentary films. To raise the level of scientific and cognitive achievement in African art, lectures and studies in furniture embroidery courses should be allocated to students of the Interior Design Department.