Why is it so difficult to create an accurate timeline for African art? Provide at least two reasons.

What would be an ideal response?

African art history has played a significant role in shaping the culture and history of the world. However, lack of archaeological excavations inhibits knowledge of the antiquity of African art and the sheer disposable nature of the raw materials used in the creation of art objects means that an untold wealth of pieces has disintegrated in time. Also, some communities were non-sedentary and would have carried with them as little as possible and therefore only utilitarian objects would have been transported. Because their value was based on their functionality and their spiritual attributes, should their purpose no longer be of service to the creator and his community, they would have been abandoned.