Throughout history, cultures have expressed themselves in their art; the Bantu-speaking cultures are no exception. The original Bantu-speakers ( speakers of proto-Bantu) occupied parts of Niger and Cameroon  They  migrated south and east influencing most of Africa south of the Sahara. Many distinct ethnic groups sprang up, but all of their languages were
influenced by the proto-Bantu speakers. These ethnic groups included such important African civilizations as the Swahili, the Zulu, the Shona ( The builders of The Great Zimbabwe), and the Hutu and Tutsi.
    Like many African cultures, the Bantu-speakers made everyday objects into pieces of art. Common objects such as spoons, headrests, stools, baskets, pottery, and pipes were made into museum quality artwork. The Luba headrest shown below is an example. While they turned everyday items into exquisite artwork, Bantu-speakers also created decorative art, such as masks and ceremonial objects. The Zulu were known for their bead work. The Ndeble made beautiful painting, not only on the walls of the houses but the walls of their cities too. The Ganda and Tutsi were famous for their decorative art on mats, screens, and pottery. Not all art is physical, many of the cultures had elaborate literature. The Swahili have recorded poems and history, while the Sotho have a rich culture of song (lifela, songs of life), poetry ( lithoko, praise poems), and dance.
    The Bantu-speaking cultures are full of art and literature. For further information you can visit the National Museum of African Art. The following pictures were taken there.  The first picture is a Luba headrest, the second picture is Chowke Mask (Pwo), and the third is a Zulu women's hat ( isicholo)