Customer Reviews

Yoruba: Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought

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This examination of Yoruba art covers a lot of ground, temporally and geographically. It covers the Yoruba kingdom by kingdom, looking at historical objects within each area. Accessible even to those without any knowledge of African art, it also has lots to interest the specialist--some controversial views on women's roles in Ife art, assignment of Esie carvings to the Yoruba and some previously unassigned bronzes to Ijebu, identification of particular artists' work and more. Written by three experts who specialize in different Yoruba areas, the writing is seamless and well-edited, neither talking down to the reader nor unduly academic in tone. The accompanying illustrations are superb, and many are contextual images. This book introduces Yoruba philosophy, religion, oral literature, and political organization interwoven with art, providing an excellent cultural overview. I use it as a university text, but it would serve as a beautiful addition to the library of anyone interested in Africa, particularly those who want to know more about this creative ethnic group which has left such an impact on the cultures of the Americas.

Academic, art collector and devotee alike enjoy this book. I have read this book about 6 or 7 times in the last 10 years. The photographs are beautiful and the text is some of the most well thought out, sensitive and enjoyable on Yoruba spirituality and culture. This is a history book, art book, anthropological study, religious reference and coffee table book in one.

Save your pennies, this is a keeper.