African Elegance (Hardcover)

~ Ettagale Blauer (Author), Alan Donovan (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"detailed text and captions chronicle the significance of the superb artifact and decorative traditions showcased in the book." -- Voice of Entertainment --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Description

In Africa, beaded ornaments may mark an individual's progress through life, and intricate woven fabrics chronicle the deeds of warriors and kings. "African Elegance" delves into the ways in which such traditional objects as masks, jewelry, and wooden vessels are used in contemporary African society.

From the vibrant, carved coffins of Ghana and the treasures made by sixteenth-century Benin metalsmiths to the sleek objects in serpentine crafted by the Shona sculptors of Zimbabwe, "African Elegancce" dynamically explores how native Africans display themselves, exchange messages, and tell stories through craft. An object as beautiful as the work it celebrates, "African Elegance" is a stunningly photographed chronicle of art and personal adornment.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (October 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847822249
• ISBN-13: 978-0847822249
• Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,213,090 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book, December 17, 2001

By A Customer

This is a beautiful book, full of gorgeous color photos. It highlights the unique and extrordinary costumes of the peoples of africa. A delight!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full color masks and years of travel insight, April 12, 2006

By	D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: African Elegance (Hardcover)

The price tag of AFRICAN ELEGANCE represents a bargain for an oversized feature loaded with full-page color photos throughout: any university art library and quite a few community library general lending collections will find it an outstanding addition to any African cultures section. Author Etagale Blauer's years of travel in Africa lends to his feature and interpretation of the masks and ritual objects which are a part of African cultural beliefs and values. Displays link cultural traditions to materials, adaptations, and choices in artistic rendering. Highly recommended: a top value and a top pick.