Beads of Life explores the ornamental beadwork of eastern and southern Africa, through pieces found in the collections of several Canadian museums and universities. The author examines the functions and meanings of traditional beadwork and looks at the socio-religious principles upon which many aesthetic choices were based. The book also describes materials used in traditional clothing and adornments before the arrival of glass beads, materials that both provided protection to the wearer and indicated social status. The book concludes with an examination of contemporary beadwork, particularly as seen through the eyes of Canadians from eastern and southern Africa.
L'ouvrage de Frank Willett a été qualifié par le Times Literary Supplément de « meilleure introduction générale à l'étude de l'art africain, pleine d'informations de premier ordre, stimulante et fascinante ».
Throughout, the authors emphasize the cultural contexts in which art is produced and imbued with meanings. Among the ancient works illustrated are masterpieces in brass, gold, ivory, stone and terracotta.
Through the prism of America's most enduring African-inspired art form, the Lowcountry basket, Grass Roots guides readers across 300 years of American and African history. In scholarly essays and beautiful...
Catalog of an exhibition held at Smith College Museum of Art, Feb. 1-Jun. 15, 2008.
Images of Power: Understanding Bushman Rock Art
This work presents 75 pieces of sculptural art in various mediums from across sub-Saharan Africa, including masks, carved figures, furniture, ceramics and jewellery. Brief entries accompany each object, none of...
At long last, the Blue Dog Man, as Rodrigue calls himself, sheds light on his creation as he guides us through this remarkable collection of over sixty new Blue Dog...
The South Africans David Koloane , Pat Mautloa , Sam Nhlengethwa and Kay Hassan are some of the permanent resident artists who regularly exhibit their works here . The Bag Factory also displays works by non - resident South African ...
Beautifully produced and illustrated, this study of the Zimbabwean birds is more than a description or history of the eight soapstone carvings found at the Great Zimbabwe historical site. It...
This exuberantly illustrated book celebrates the sophistication, vivacity, and significance of improvisational African-Aemrican quilts, both as artistic achievements and as expressions of African-American traditions. The knowledge, attitudes, and values carried...