Tribal art is also known as ethnographic art. It is a collective term used to describe the material culture and visual art forms of indigenous people. Most tribal art forms have some religious or ceremonial connotations. They are mainly found in rural areas and are made using basic resources. However, some of these art forms are highly evolved and complex.
Tribal art often existed in civilizations with no literacy. It was their only form of communication and expression. Traditions and myths were passed down the generations through art. Today tribal art has gained high aesthetic value and caters to a diverse market of anthropologists, historians, museums and institutions, and art collectors.
The climate and geography of a place are the primary influences on tribal art. It is also characterized by the social and religious regulations, and needs of the tribe. Because of the lack of technology, tools used in tribal art are prepared from stones, wood, metal, animal bones or hair by hand. The colors used are plant and vegetable dyes.
The symbolism used in tribal art is usually inspired from surroundings and everyday life. The art also promotes positive outcomes like good crop, favorable weather, protection from evil spirits and cure of illnesses. Tribal art is unique to its culture and history.
Museums classify tribal art into three categories namely African Art, Art of the Americas and Oceanic Art. With increased contact of the tribes with the civilized world, their art is also becoming more contemporary in nature. | 
