"A visual feast. . . But even more impressive are the
pictures from behind the scenes, in the more intimate events when ceremony
comes to focus on a single moment in a human life."
-New York Times Book Review |
If one picture is worth a thousand words, then the
combination of text and images in Nomads of Niger adds up to the
equivalent of a whole encyclopedia. The cover photograph alone tells you
this will be a special journey; before you even reach the title page
you've already been treated to several stunning portraits of a nomadic
people known as the Wodaabe, "who number among the last nomads of
Africa, indeed among the last nomads on earth." |
Published in 1971, this book is a pictorial archive of
African design. Taken largely from carved art in wood and stone, most of
the designs are presented as black and white linocut prints, and each
design includes a brief description of its geographic and tribal origin. A
map of Africa is included as well as source references from museums,
collections and publications for each of the artifacts that the designs
have been extracted from, more than 200 in all. This is an excellent
resource for artists as well as school age children and it is an
exceptional value. |
USA
Today, Deirdre Donahue, 3 December 1998
The layout is particularly interesting because it intersperses
dramatic color photographs with small black-and-white photographs and text
about the art, the tribes and the traditions. Written by the former head
of the tribal arts department at Sotheby's, the book is an excellent
introduction to African art created before 1920. |
Spectacular sculptures in wood, bronze, and stone, as well
as mural painting, ceremonial pieces, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles
provide stunning proof that although these works were not made to be
"art," they can be enjoyed by Western viewers purely on their
aesthetic merits. This text touches on well-known aspects of African art,
as well as works from the Guinea Coast, Sahel and Savanna, and Northern
Africa. |
Hardcover 619 page massive book on African art and Culture.
This is one of the most complete books you will ever find.
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