Art in Other Places

Question:
If art in other countries is not seen as art, can we consider it a craft? 
           When thinking of questions as such, I always wonder, can art be functional? For those who think that it cannot be functional and must only serve the purpose of aesthetics, then tribal art such as plates, cups, pots etc. from the Baule tribe is not art. However, it is something. People take the time out to put symbols and decorations on the pot for example, and make sure it is capable to hold liquids or solids. But, those symbols may be bible references or references to their own gods. Furthermore, people like to have nice things, so if a cup is decorated, maybe it is to be used on a special occasion. So, in refusing to call this art, I will argue that it can be called a craft, unless crafts aren’t supposed to be useful. I think they are supposed to be useful, because the crafts I buy at craft fairs, I certainly use. Producers of their work sell it with the intention that the customer will be using it for the purpose it was made for.  When it comes to art, we want to preserve it. That is why we put it in galleries to be watched and cared for. The art from the Baule tribe is being worn away over time because, they would rather use it and get the most from it then stare at it and watch it do nothing. If the Baule tribe was to produce a painting, I would call that art, even if it were just to be hung in a house. The purpose was for it to please and be looked at by the family and visitors. If we decide to use art, the purpose of it has changed and it isn't art.