This chapter examines the art of tribal, oral societies who lack any form of writing, with a particular focus on African tribal art and culture. The chapter considers recent statistics surrounding literacy rates in various regions of Africa, as well as outlining some of the issues in terms of identifying genuinely oral cultures which are untouched by literacy. Following the lead of theorists of orality and literacy, the chapter engages in a close analysis of the art of various African oral cultures, demonstrating a distinct correlation of stylistic tendencies. The chapter also considers art in conjunction with African oral traditions, analysing the specific character of numerous spoken languages of oral African societies and uncovering resonant characteristics in their visual art.