Visual Arts of Africa: Gender, Power, and Life Cycle Rituals (Paperback)

by Judith Perani (Author), Fred T. Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Presented by geographic region, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the important traditions of African art within the artistic and historical context of each region. Visual Arts of Africa emphasizes gender, power, and life cycle rituals related to African artistic traditions and provides a focus on the social, religious, and political contexts in which much of the art functions. The book presents the diversity of African art by covering a wide range of art forms, from wooden and metal sculpture to textiles, dress, ceramics, architecture, and architectural decoration. It presents the historical and cultural artistic traditions of each geographic region through a range of art forms, from the earliest known documented art works to contemporary works by late twentieth century artists. Also includes recent published field research. A valuable reference book for any reader who wishes a greater understanding of the historical and cultural traditions of African art.

From the Back Cover
Presented by geographic region, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the important traditions of African art within the artistic and historical context of each region. Visual Arts of Africa emphasizes gender, power, and life cycle rituals related to African artistic traditions and provides a focus on the social, religious, and political contexts in which much of the art functions. The book presents the diversity of African art by covering a wide range of art forms, from wooden and metal sculpture to textiles, dress, ceramics, architecture, and architectural decoration. It presents the historical and cultural artistic traditions of each geographic region through a range of art forms, from the earliest known documented art works to contemporary works by late twentieth century artists. Also includes recent published field research. A valuable reference book for any reader who wishes a greater understanding of the historical and cultural traditions of African art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (July 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0134423283
• ISBN-13: 978-0134423289
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #650,737 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Visual Arts of Africa, May 13, 2009

By	K. Adson "ghostwind" (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I didn't receive my book because they ran out of the product. I didn't see anything saying out of stock, maybe they should not advertise if they do not have any. But they were great at refunding the money back. Good service.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, November 29, 1998

By A Customer

Fred Smith and Judith Perani are co-authors, not contributo