Paleontologists consider Africa the cradle of humanity, and over the centuries the continent has been the home to countless cultures and civilizations that have left behind a rich legacy of art objects. From simple carvings to ornate religious objects and stunning woven cloths, African art is both historically significant and highly collectible.

Doug Dawson is Chicago's preeminent dealer of ancient cultural artifacts. His gallery, Douglas Dawson Ethnographica, specializes in archaeological objects and historic art, including fine tribal textiles, sculpture, ceramics, and furniture from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and ancient America. Here he offers an introduction to collecting African art:

• Tap into a different consciousness.
  To Dawson, the appeal of African art is the appeal of all non-western pre-industrial art. It allows him to tap into a whole other person's consciousness and see life through the eyes of the man or woman who created a striking, challenging art object.
  
• Discover different mediums.
  There are many levels to the African market. Collectors can choose to specialize in things like ceramics, textiles or wood sculpture, or to sample from a wide range of artistic mediums.
  
• Creations came from everyday artists.
  Dawson appreciates the fact that many African cultures didn't draw a line between high art and low art. People from all walks of life were creating art, with the most interesting and impressive pieces often coming from those who did not consider themselves true artists.
  
• Objects available everywhere.
  Collectors of African art can buy interesting objects in all kinds of places. Museum gift stores, African art shops, and fine art galleries are just some of the places you might look.
  
• Prices match all budgets.
  African art also comes in many different levels of quality and price. A great-looking African mask might cost you just a few bucks if it's of recent manufacture, but an authentically ancient version of that mask could sell for a million dollars.

For more information about ancient art and artifacts, check out the following organizations or websites:

Douglas Dawson Ethnographica
www.douglasdawson.com

Precolumbian Art Research Institute
www.mesoweb.com/pari

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
www.peabody.harvard.edu

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
www.nmafa.si.edu

Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Asian Art)
www.asia.si.edu/default

Asianart.com
www.asianart.com