Art is important to every culture, in every country, on every continent. Art is especially important for those who are oppressed in society. This reasoning is especially true of the culture of African slaves in the United States from 1830 to 1877, who were forced to abandon the life they knew, stripped of their names, and even beaten to forget their heritage. The method to do this is to examine the works of several enslaved artists from that historical period and the events that occurred during their daily lives, surrounding the major historical events we study today. Also reading articles, magazines, and important historical documents about slaves and their culture and what life was like for them during that time in the United States. It will then be possible to better understand how essential the different forms of artistic expression were in the life of slaves. The right to education and manifestation of one's culture through song and music allowed slaves to convey their history, morality, and individual stories for all to join and learn to tell their story. Therefore this article will demonstrate that art was important to American slave culture from 1830 to 1877 because it allowed for self-expression, taught history, and practiced morality through education, singing, and music. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayMusic and DanceIn music and dance, slaves expressed their personal creativity and cultural heritage. They brought aspects of their culture with them and kept the rhythms of their homeland alive. They created instruments such as drums, banjos, and even wooden flutes to help match the rhythm of their Negro ballads. They rarely had free time, but slaves spent it enjoying family time surrounded by dancing and singing together. Slaves used music for many different reasons. Some for celebrations, others for ceremonial reasons. The songs were known as "negro spirituals" sung in black churches. Songs like "Adam in the garden" and then "wade in the water" and many other religious hymns to keep them moving throughout the days. Other songs talked about the work they had to do and how hard it was. Some songs even talked about the harsh treatment meted out to them by the masters and how that made them all feel. Some were sad, others rejoiced. All in all, the slaves put feeling into everything they did and it was beautiful. All the songs created had roots in their African heritage that they refused to get rid of. Other types of songs were work songs and of course entertainment songs. At this time, around 1830, "The musical ability of the Negro race had been recognized for so many years by old plantation folk songs such as 'Coal-black Rose' and 'Zip Coon,' along with 5 other spirituals in the collection, were being regularly sung in black churches and communities. Overall, African Americans have helped shape the roots of today's culture; popular music genres such as gospel, jazz, and blues that many have enjoyed and become accustomed to . Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Conclusion Art, especially music and dance, was important to American slave culture from 1830 to 1877 because it allowed for self-expression, taught history, and practiced culture. morality through education, singing and music. Even today, art has a fundamental importance in our..