Inventing Masks: Agency and History in the Art of the Central Pende (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "From 1963 to 1965, a few Pende took part in a rebellion against the new regime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (later Zaire)..." (more)
Key Phrases: nganga ngombo, foot rattles, comedic masks, Eastern Pende, Khoshi Mahumbu, Loange River (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Masks play an important part in the life of the Pende, as with many Central African peoples. Strother has produced an in-depth scholarly study of Pende masquerade traditions, especially during and following the colonial experience. What makes the book notable is Strother's focus on creativity and the processes of artistic innovation, which the author contends have kept those masking customs vital. While much of the research is based on the contemporary situation, a precolonial and early-colonial art history is also incorporated as an important part of the study. Accompanying the text are many illustrations of both museum objects and field photos (varied in quality and mostly black and white), an appendix, and an extensive bibliography. The writing style and vocabulary is academic, so anyone but students of African art will find the book a difficult read. Highly recommended for academic libraries with interests in art history or African studies.AEugene C. Burt, Art Inst. of Seattle Lib.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Who invents masks, and why? Such questions have rarely been asked, due to stereotypes of anonymous African artists locked into the reproduction of "traditional" models of representation. Rather than accept this view of African art as timeless and unchanging, Z. S. Strother spent nearly three years in Zaire studying Pende sculpture. Her research reveals the rich history and lively contemporary practice of Central Pende masquerade. She describes the intensive collaboration among sculptors and dancers that is crucial to inventing masks. Sculptors revealed that a central theme in their work is the representation of perceived differences between men and women. Far from being unchanging, Pende masquerades promote unceasing innovation within genres and invention of new genres. Inventing Masks demonstrates, through first hand accounts and lavish illustrations, how Central Pende masquerading is a contemporary art form fully responsive to twentieth-century experience.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (March 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226777324
• ISBN-13: 978-0226777320
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,966,706 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A modern art form, July 28, 2004

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Inventing Masks: Agency and History in the Art of the Central Pende (Paperback)

In the country then known as Zaire, and now as the Congo, Strother spent some time studying the Central Pende ethnic group. Specifically, she analysed the role that masks played in their society. The book has many photos of intricately designed masks. Pretty!

But the book is more than just nice pictures. Strother has conducted a serious anthropological study of what the masks represent and their history. Essentially, she shows that the construction and symbology are not some age old ritual. Rather, a virtue of her study is that she places the Pende masquerade as an active, modern art form. As legitimate as any contemporary art movement in a developed country. Too often, African art is only studied in retrospective mode. Strother shows otherwise.