ART 158 (Cluff) FA24

Library databases give you access to credible, reliable, and peer-reviewed information. Use them to find:

1. Quality Information: All resources are vetted by experts.
2. Narrow Search Options: You can filter by subject, publication type, and date to find exactly what you need.
3. Access to Full-Text Articles: Many databases offer full access to articles that aren't free on the web."

This video provides an overview of the distinguishing characteristics of popular and scholarly sources.

This video provides a quick breakdown of a scholarly journal, and how to read one so you can extract the information you need!

To find information on your topic in a database, you'll need to come up with key terms. 

Key questions: Who is the artist? What is the cultural or societal significance of the piece? What historical period does it belong to?

General Keywords:

• African ceremonial masks
• African ritual masks
• African mask-making
• African tribal masks
• African indigenous art
• African sculpture masks
• African performance masks

Culture-Specific Keywords:

• Yoruba masks
• Dogon masks
• Igbo masks
• Bambara masks
• Mende masks (Sande Society)
• Pende masks
• Fang masks
• Chokwe masks
• Mossi masks
• Dan masks (Côte d'Ivoire)

Historical and Cultural Context Keywords:

• Symbolism AND African masks
• African religious beliefs AND masks
• Colonial impact AND African mask traditions
• African art AND cosmology
• Masks AND African oral traditions
• Cultural significance AND African masks
• Masks AND social hierarchy in African societies

Artistic Techniques Keywords:

• African wood carving
• African mask design
• Mask materials Africa (wood, cloth, metal)
• African mask painting AND decoration

Influence of Artform Keywords:

• Influence AND African masks AND Western art
• Cultural preservation AND African mask traditions
• Contemporary African mask-making

Now that you have a list of key terms to describe your topic, combine them and enter them into the database or search bar to find results!

For example: African wood carving AND Yoruba mask

Tip: Once you find a good source, make sure you email it and use the citation tool to save some time