Download and read Kwame Anthony Appiah’s essay, “Why Africa? Why Art?”. Answer the following questions, each in a separate paragraph:

1. Begin with a 1-paragraph summary of Appiah’s essay. Make sure you paraphrase Appiah’s definition of Western (or European) art. (Make sure you know how to write a summary. No direct quotes!)
2. Regarding the gold weights discussed in the essay, why was the aesthetic function of secondary importance?
3. Now, think about your own culture; are there cultural objects that don’t fit the standard definition of art, but that embody a high degree of creativity? These would be things that would never exist in an “Art Museum” but that you believe have qualities that match or exceed those of high art. Pick one such object and tell us why you think it is highly creative. What function(s) does it serve in our culture? (Refer to the use-value/function list in my Announcement, which cites the following functions for art:

• aesthetic (meaning: this is beautiful and its only function is to be admired for its beauty)
• spiritual/religious* political
• historical: to commemorate people or events
• entertainment
• educational