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The History of African Art
A concise, accessible, and up- to-date overview of the arts of Africa from prehistoric times to the present day.
This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to the contemporary, set in the context of postcolonial debates, the restitution of cultural objects and artifacts, and the challenges of the present. This enormous and complex field of study, once under-appreciated by the Western art world, is now of global importance and an essential subject of education in art history.
For ease of reference and analysis, leading African art expert Suzanne Preston Blier has structured this guide chronologically into manageable and meaningful chapters covering ancient art, the Middle Ages, travel and trade, encounters with Europe in the age of exploration, the colonial era, the rebuilding of the continent in recent times, and contemporary art. Addressed are core, continent-wide themes in African visual and cultural expression, from the life cycle (children, initiation, motherhood, religion) to the body and representations of power dynamics. Important regional artistic expressions are also explored, such as the cultures of Mali (the Western Sudan), Nigeria (the lower Niger and Benue area), the Congo Basin, and various nomadic populations across the continent.
Written from an inclusive, modern perspective, focusing not only on royal traditions but also the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices, this is an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors, and anyone with an interest in fine art, African history, and cultural studies.
121 color illustrations
This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to the contemporary, set in the context of postcolonial debates, the restitution of cultural objects and artifacts, and the challenges of the present. This enormous and complex field of study, once under-appreciated by the Western art world, is now of global importance and an essential subject of education in art history.
For ease of reference and analysis, leading African art expert Suzanne Preston Blier has structured this guide chronologically into manageable and meaningful chapters covering ancient art, the Middle Ages, travel and trade, encounters with Europe in the age of exploration, the colonial era, the rebuilding of the continent in recent times, and contemporary art. Addressed are core, continent-wide themes in African visual and cultural expression, from the life cycle (children, initiation, motherhood, religion) to the body and representations of power dynamics. Important regional artistic expressions are also explored, such as the cultures of Mali (the Western Sudan), Nigeria (the lower Niger and Benue area), the Congo Basin, and various nomadic populations across the continent.
Written from an inclusive, modern perspective, focusing not only on royal traditions but also the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices, this is an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors, and anyone with an interest in fine art, African history, and cultural studies.
121 color illustrations
- GenresArtHistoryArt History
176 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2023
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Did Not Finish
October 6, 2026Gonna chalk this one up to more of a issue of the series this book is in rather than the prowess of the author. Gigantic ideas get introduced and dismissed in one sentence, historical empires enter and exit the narrative with no context outside of them being listed as important. The analysis of the individual artworks is itself typically interesting, but the history around it is administered at a breakneck pace that makes it difficult to place the works in a chronology based upon historical developments.
For an introduction to African Art, I still recommend Peter Probst’s wonderful work, which tackles the difficult subject by providing a history of the historiography rather than attempting a rapid survey of the entire continent.
For an introduction to African Art, I still recommend Peter Probst’s wonderful work, which tackles the difficult subject by providing a history of the historiography rather than attempting a rapid survey of the entire continent.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review