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African art has played a significant role in the culture and history of the world. It goes back into the mists of time, with earliest examples being figures of people and animals carved into rocks. Its distinguishing characteristics and inspirations have influenced many artists to adapt their own interpretations of the art in their own time period. There are thousands of different ethnic groups in Africa. African art has largely widespread characteristics which make it distinctly African. There are seven major types of art produced in Africa. They are masks, textiles, baskets, metalwork, furniture, pottery and beadwork. I am going to talk about a couple of these and where and when they came about. I am also going to discuss, the different influences of African art on western and modern art, the traditions of African art, and the history of African art in different areas of Africa.