The Art of African Masks: Exploring Cultural Traditions (Art Around the World) [Hardcover]

Carol Finley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Art Around the World

Describes how different types of masks are made and used in Africa and how they reflect the culture of their ethnic groups.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-Although this topic is touched upon in many books about Africa, it is rare to find a whole volume devoted to the subject. Finley focuses on the regions where mask making is most prevalent: the Western Sudan, the Guinea Coast, and Central Africa. The cultures and countries where it was practiced in the past and where many masks are still made are highlighted on a map of the continent. Each culture is given brief coverage emphasizing the traditional use of the masks, the materials used in their creation, and the current state of the art form when possible. Clear, sharp full-color photographs of museum artifacts are well placed on the pages and reflect the large variety of materials used in mask making. Pictures of modern members of still-existing cultures add to the attractiveness of this volume.
Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822520788
• ISBN-13: 978-0822520788
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Introduction to African Masks, July 10, 2011

By 

oliver drews - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of African Masks: Exploring Cultural Traditions (Art Around the World) (Hardcover)

This is essentially a short book written for children but adults too will enjoy the informative text and well-structured lay-out, which gives readers a good first overview of the exciting world of African masks. Carol Finley has done an excellent job describing the reasons for making masks, its spiritual and at times very practical context, and its historical background. The book includes a helpful map outlining the origins and locations of the leading remaining tribes practicing this form of artisanship, a range of beautiful pictures of examples of masks, and finally, photographs of today's African village and urban life. The book ends on a thoughtful note touching on the challenges of traditional African art in modern society.

5 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Collecting African masks, February 13, 2008

By 

Jan Ölander "qwe234" (Stockholm Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of African Masks: Exploring Cultural Traditions (Art Around the World) (Hardcover)

Reading the book gives you an exccellent, first introduction to African masks. It is easy to read and spurs your curiosity to get to know more about the cultural traditions of the tribes in Africa.