Images of outstanding African masks from the world’s leading museums and private collections reveal the splendor and majesty of these fascinating masterpieces.
The masks seen in these pages represent diversity and an aesthetic power that rivals the most renowned works of art from around the world. Originating from more than thirty countries throughout Africa, the masks featured here are shown in stunning full-page reproductions and accompanied by field photographs. Each mask reflects a strong personal and artistic vision, and embodies ancestors and beings from the spirit world. The selected masks can be identified by magic expression, noble proportions, and delicate surface detail. Enlightening commentary offers background information about the function and origins of the masks’ use within the ethnic groups from which they originate. A beautifully produced full-color foldout map places each mask in its original site, which together with the stunning reproductions, field photographs, and text, creates a magnificent celebration of African artistry and culture.
Peter Stepan is the author of World Art: Africa (Prestel), and a number of other publications on African art. Iris Hahner is an ethnologist and author of many publications on African art, including African Masks: The Barbier-Mueller Collection (Prestel).
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Prestel Publishing (October 31, 2005)
Language: English
Dimensions: 13 x 9.8 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
