<![CDATA[
<BODY>
<B>Main Content</B><BR><BR>
The Oni of Ife and the Seated Scribe were chosen for the naturalistic features. Both pieces are impressive and beautiful. Although these two pieces don't share many similarities, both of their cultures share a few more similarities. The Oni of Ife bears resemblance to the head of King Sesostris III, both are portraits of leaders with serious expressions. Both the African tribes and the Egyptians held high respect for their leaders you can see in these two pieces. Although it may appear as if the Egyptians believed in not only respecting their leaders, but worshipped them. The Egyptians and the tribes of Africa also held animals with high regards as shown in the Leopards from Benin and the innumerable paintings of half animal - half human gods. Animals symbolized power and where also protectors.<BR><BR>
Eventhough both cultures share some similarities they are very different. Their religious beliefs are very different the Egyptians believed in the afterlife and made great efforts for the deceased to enjoy the joys of this world in the next. While the tribes of Africa and North America tried to appease their gods with rituals and festivities in honor of the gods. The Egyptians were very rigid this can be seen in the Seated Scribe and their paintings the straight lines the stiff figures. The Seated Scribe is not idealized but he appears rigid as though if he cannot move, he is a loyal worker. The tribes on the other hand where less rigid, but because of the environment where warriors, except for those in North America. Egypt enjoyed the wealth and the protection of the Nile. Both cultures impacted the arts in different ways and we are the benefactors of witnessing such great pieces from great civilizations.<BR><BR>
</BODY>
]]>