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African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series)
 
 
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African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series) (Paperback)

by Iris Hahner (Author), Maria Kecskesi (Author), Lazlo Vajda (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

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African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series) + The Tribal Arts of Africa + Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks
Price For All Three: $73.23

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  • This item: African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series) by Iris Hahner

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
These two books by the same publisher are very similar in a number of ways?they are designed to accompany major European exhibitions; contain hundreds of visually impressive photos of some of the finest works of African artistry; and cover the art of Africa while emphasizing the sculpture of West and Central Africa. These similarities aside, the books differ significantly in terms of the nature of the text and the focus of the content. Early in the 20th century a small number of European collectors acquired significant collections of African art. Han Coray (1880-1974), a modern art dealer in Zurich, was one of the earliest of those collectors, and his extensive collection eventually became the property of the Zurich University Ethnographic Museum. African Art is a catalog of that collection, with over 300 photographs of the objects. While most of the catalog entries provide useful information about the objects, some are unsatisfyingly only descriptive. More than a dozen essays are also provided, while some are scholarly and informative, many are personal reflections on and reactions to the collector and the collection, which some readers may not find especially enlightening. African Masks explores the nature of one of the most important categories of art in Africa. An excellent introductory essay by scholars Maria Kecskesi and Lazlo Vajda succinctly discusses the roles of masks in African societies and explains variations in their form and aesthetics. Almost 250 masks in the Barbier-Mueller Museum collection are cataloged with brief entries and small but fine black-and-white photos. The major portion of the book consists of large-format color plates of selected masks with extensive, scholarly notes by Hahner-Herzog. Many of the plates are accompanied by outstandingly useful field photos of the masks as worn by fully costumed performers in their indigenous context. Both books are highly recommended for any public or academic library with an interest in art, anthropology, and/or African studies.?Eugene C. Burt, Art Inst. of Seattle Lib.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Now available in a flexi edition, this beautiful volume presents nearly 250 of the finest African masks from the incomparable Barbier-Mueller collection, which is unique in its vast number of masterpieces and wide geographic scope.

The book includes one hundred color plates accompanied by in-depth descriptions, as well as numerous black-and-white photographs of the masks as they are used in religious and secular ceremonies. An introductory text by renowned scholars describes how the masks are constructed, examines their significance in African culture, and offers insight into the universal practice of masquerading. A unique contribution to the literature on African art, this book is also a wonderful introduction to countless fascinating, age-old spiritual traditions still practiced today.



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Product Details

  • Paperback: 287 pages
  • Publisher: Prestel Publishing (April 30, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 3791338072
  • ISBN-13: 978-3791338071
  • Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #187,533 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #10 in  Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > African
    #74 in  Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Folk Art

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series)
70% buy the item featured on this page:
African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series) 5.0 out of 5 stars (6)
$13.57
Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks
9% buy
Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks 4.0 out of 5 stars (4)
$37.80
Arts of Africa: 7000 Years of African Art
8% buy
Arts of Africa: 7000 Years of African Art 5.0 out of 5 stars (3)
$43.87
The Tribal Arts of Africa
7% buy
The Tribal Arts of Africa 4.5 out of 5 stars (11)
$21.86

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars African Masks, February 1, 2000
By A Customer
This is the best book I have found on the psychology and understanding of African masks. Just fantastic, worth the money. 80% color plates, brief outline of basic African mask types and their interpretation, grouped by region and by style.
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars African Masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection, Geneva, December 16, 1999
By A Customer
First-rate, high quality throughout, this volume does what a book of this type should do: packs in plenty of color plates of the masks, and shows them being worn (in black-and-white in situ photos) on the accompanying left-hand pages of the spreads. The collection is far-ranging and, though it cannot include every type of mask, it does manage to convey the incredible variety, richness and paradoxical sophistication of this art form. Highly recommended.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, September 24, 1999
By cwike@conninc.com (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
This book has fantastic photos and information about the masks pictured. There are also archival photos of similar masks from earlier times. The most impressive part is the photos of the masks in use. I have often had trouble imagining how the masks were worn or used until this book. Not only are there photos of many of the masks in use the whole costume is also pictured. Truly one of the best books I've seen on the subject.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars African Masks: The Barbier-Mueller Collection
Great overview of all African masks, with intelligent background and supportive material. Not just a picture book or rehash of oft-repeated images. Read more
Published on September 2, 2005 by John S. Mclachlin

5.0 out of 5 stars Best there is for collectors & lovers of African art
I bought the hardcover version of this & it is well worth the additional expense because the photos are excellent in quality & number. Read more
Published on November 2, 2004 by Oksana

5.0 out of 5 stars African Masks
This is the best book I have found on the psychology and understanding of African masks. Just fantastic, worth the money. Read more
Published on February 2, 2000

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