Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.