Africa: The Art of a Continent

Munich: Prestel, March 1999. Paperback. Near Fine. Unmarked. Interior pristine. Spine straight, tight and uncreased. Light rubbing to covers. Light reading wear to corners with a curl to bottom corner. A book that clearly has been used, but remains in very nice condition. Not from a library. No remainder mark. Not clipped. More than 600 photographs, nine detailed maps, bibliography, index of ethnic groups. 620 pages. 9.75 x 11.75 x 1.75 inches Heavy item (7 pounds): extra charges for expedited or international shipping.

First published on the occasion of an exhibition held October 4, 1995 - January 21, 1996 at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. This magnificent celebration of the world's oldest and most diverse artistic traditions is the definitive book on African art. Ranging from the oldest known human artifact, circa 1.6 million BC, to pieces made within living memory, the objects collected in this extraordinary volume reflect a continent of enormous cultural and historical scope. Arranged chronologically within seven geographical sections, it offers an astonishing array of sculptures in wood, bronze, stone, and gold, as well as mural paintings, ceremonial pieces, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles culled from private and public collections around the world. Commentary by renowned scholars illuminates the cultural and historical significance of these pieces, and in-depth authoritative texts highlight critical aspects of each region. Together these words and images take readers on an artistic grand tour through a continent of unparalleled diversity, and towards the thrilling discovery of not one Africa, but many.

Contents: Preface by Cornel West; Why Africa? Why Art? by Kwame Anthony Appiah; Europe, African Art, and the Uncanny by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; The African Past by Peter Garlake; Ancient Egypt and Nubia (89 objects) by Edna R. Russmann and Laslo Torok; Eastern Africa (67 objects) by John Mack; Southern Africa (48 objects) by Patricia Davison; Central Africa (140 objects) by Daniel Biebuyck and Frank Herreman; West Africa and the Guinea Coast (142 objects) by John Picton; Sahel and Savanna (60 objects) by René A. Bravmann; Northern Africa (67 objects) by Timothy A. Insoll, M. Rachel MacLean, R. J. A. Wilson, Nadia Erzini and Rachel Ward.