Spirits in Stone: The New Face of African Art [Paperback]

Anthony Ponter (Author), Laura Ponter (Author), Hope Tinney (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2005

This full color coffee table sized book about Zimbabwe's geography, history, culture and of course the Shona sculpture produced there is one of a kind. It is the first book published in the West about Shona sculpture and the Shona artists. It is also perhaps the only full length book on Shona sculpture ever printed in full color. A perfect balance of rich text and beautiful photographs taken by award winning travel photographer Robert Holmes (winner of "Travel Photographer of the Year" and also a National Geographic Photographer). Not just a book on Shona art, the history from ancient times to modern day is touched on in this book as well as other items such as geology which all contribute to a greater understanding of the current Shona sculpture art movement. This is the 2nd printing of the 2nd edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...though coffe-table sized and beautiful to look at, this book is no mere 'eye candy'. While reasonably priced for a book this large and lush, this lovingly photographed publication presents (along with 216 vibrant color photographs) an amazing amount of good research about Zimbabwe, her history and culture - both modern and ancient. It also contains a wealth of thoughtfully written information on the Shona sculptors and their now internationally sought after art form." -- PBS, All Things Considered, 1995

"It contains a wealth of thoughtfully written information on the Shona sculptors and their now internationally sought after art form." -- PBS, All Things Considered, 1995

From the Publisher

We're proud that the first hard cover edition of Spirits In StoneS sold out at $80.00Qwe're even prouder that the 2nd edition is now out in museum quality softcoverQbigger, expanded and updatedQwith more photographs, and 2 new chapters on the increasingly important contribution of the women & younger artists to this world recognized art movement, this book is retailing at only $39.95Qwhat great value!

This is not just another glossy coffee-table bookQthere is real content here! The authors spent over 8 years travelling throughout Zimbabwe doing the research that they felt was necessary to honor the artists and culture of this African country.

With principle photography by renowned photographer Robert Holmes, book design by New Zealands' Rod Wallace, and text by the Ponters, this international effort was even chosen as a cultural and historical textbook for the University of ZimbabweQan honor we are all deeply proud of.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Ukama Press/Spirits in Stone, Inc.; 2 edition (October 15, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 1881407500
• ISBN-13: 978-1881407508
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 10.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,089,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book does what is says, and superbly!, December 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirits in Stone: The New Face of African Art (Paperback)

It was interesting to read the other reviews before purchasing this book. I was anxious to read it for myself, since it consistantly got high marks, yet also recieved criticism for not being comprehensive, an apparent dichotomy! Upon opening the book, I read the introduction, which some of the severest critics seem not to have done...for if they had, they would have seen that it clearly states that this is NOT the defintive book on Shona Sculpture, nor would it ever pretend to be! Rather it is an OVERVIEW, and introduction to the people, country, history, geology and culture that have produced this unique artform. The authors also CLEARLY state upfront that this book is THEIR own opinions, and that , as in all art movements, there will be disagreements as to the whens, whos, hows etc. Given this self-appraising clarification from the authors themselves, I found myself at ease reading this book, which has quite a lot of thoughtful and well researched content as well as many beautiful pictures!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirits in Stone: The New Face of African Art, December 14, 1999

By 

Stephen Loitz (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirits in Stone: The New Face of African Art (Paperback)

I am one of the largest importers of Shona sculpture in the US. [ www.shonagallery.com ]I have traveled to Zimbabwe more than 12 times and have purchased thousands of wonderful sculptures from more than 200 artists directly. I believe this book to be the very best treatment of shona sculpture and its relationship to the Zimbabwean culture that I have seen. The people who put it together seem to have a similar perspective, as I do, on the art form and the people of Zimbabwe. As the country of Zimbabwe and Its people have evolved, so has the art form evolved. It is not an art form exclusive to the first generation artists and their styles. It is a vibrant expressive means of sharing cultural and spiritual feelings through stone. The young artists of Zimbabwe are some of the finest stone sculptors in the world today, and Spirits in Stone is a very inspiring reflection and that fact. It would be a wonderful book to have along with any piece of Shona sculpture one owns, or just a beautiful book to have around.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars comprehensive but not academic, October 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirits in Stone: The New Face of African Art (Paperback)

This is a wondeful book for giving the background in Zimbabwe of the Shona people and a pictographic essay of Zimbabwe which feeds into the Shona sculpture. However, this is not an academic study, not does it give comprehensive biographies of each major Shona sculptor. In its favor, it shows a closeness to the people and an understanding of their history and daily life. It also does have an extensive listing of sculptors which is helpful.