From Library Journal
Most museum exhibitions and books on African art focus on masks and figurative sculptures, largely ignoring many types of objects common in African cultures that "demonstrate an aesthetic sensibility all the more remarkable for serving the humblest of purposes." In this volume, Meyer offers a splendidly illustrated survey of everyday, primarily utilitarian objects?furnishings, culinary utensils, textiles, jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, games, pipes, regalia?that reveal undeniable beauty of design, ornamentation, or display. Less detailed and scholarly than Roy Sieber's catalog African Furniture and Household Objects (Indiana Univ. Pr., 1980), Meyer's work nevertheless offers concise introductions to scores of categories of objects that are both essential to, and revealing of, the nature of African life. Highly recommended for public library collections of African studies or art.?Dr. Eugene C. Burt, Art Inst. of Seattle Lib.
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