In medieval West Africa, what was the primary purpose of creating art like sculptures and textiles?

To be sold to European merchants for the highest price

To serve key functions in rituals and community life

To be displayed in private collections away from public view

To copy artistic styles from North Africa and Europe

The idea that West African art was not just for decoration means that it was primarily:

made quickly with inexpensive materials.

intended to be functional and meaningful.

hidden away from the rest of the community.

sold in markets to foreign travelers.

The price of the cloth was written on a special tag

It was only worn by messengers to deliver news

Its specific patterns and colors could represent a proverb, a historical event, or the wearer's social status

The texture of the fabric changed to signal different messages