African Elegance [Hardcover]

Ettagale Blauer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2003

In Africa, beaded ornaments may mark an individual's progress through life, and intricate woven fabrics chronicle the deeds of warriors and kings. "African Elegance" delves into the ways in which such traditional objects as masks, jewelry, and wooden vessels are used in contemporary African society.

From the vibrant, carved coffins of Ghana and the treasures made by sixteenth-century Benin metalsmiths to the sleek objects in serpentine crafted by the Shona sculptors of Zimbabwe, "African Elegancce" dynamically explores how native Africans display themselves, exchange messages, and tell stories through craft. An object as beautiful as the work it celebrates, "African Elegance" is a stunningly photographed chronicle of art and personal adornment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"detailed text and captions chronicle the significance of the superb artifact and decorative traditions showcased in the book." -- Voice of Entertainment --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ettagale Blauer has been writing about crafts and Africa in equal measure for more than twenty years. She has travelled widely in Africa, and has lived in South Africa and Kenya. A native New Yorker, Ettagale received her B.A. from Hunter College, New York. Her numerous publications include a series of books on African nations for Grolier Publishing, as well as South Africa, Coming of Age under Apartheid. She also writes about all aspects of jewelry design - antique, modern and tribal - as well as diamonds and gold, and is the author of Contemporary American Jewelry Design and American Wristwatches: Five Decades of Style and Design. She lives in New York. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli Universe Promotional Books (October 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789310163
• ISBN-13: 978-0789310163
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,765,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book, December 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: African Elegance (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book, full of gorgeous color photos. It highlights the unique and extrordinary costumes of the peoples of africa. A delight!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full color masks and years of travel insight, April 12, 2006

By 

D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Elegance (Hardcover)

The price tag of AFRICAN ELEGANCE represents a bargain for an oversized feature loaded with full-page color photos throughout: any university art library and quite a few community library general lending collections will find it an outstanding addition to any African cultures section. Author Etagale Blauer's years of travel in Africa lends to his feature and interpretation of the masks and ritual objects which are a part of African cultural beliefs and values. Displays link cultural traditions to materials, adaptations, and choices in artistic rendering. Highly recommended: a top value and a top pick.

5.0 out of 5 stars African Elegance, November 7, 2011

By 

Mimi - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: African Elegance (Hardcover)

I am honored to own this book. Keep up the good work and thank goodness for Amazon. The photographs are informative, and make you feel as if you are there.