Pictures grotesques, masks, and headdresses of various African tribes as well as exploring the psychological and ideological meaning, and ritual function of masks

Describes how different types of masks are made and used in Africa and how they reflect the culture of their ethnic groups.

This book is an examination of race, Black African objects, identity, museums at the turn of the 19th century in the U.S. via the history of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the U.S.. Misrepresenting Black Africa in American Museums explores black identity as a changing, nuanced concept. Focusing on racial history in the United States, this book examines two of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the United States. First, there is a history of race and ideas of primitiveness is presented. Next, there is a discussion of western concepts of race. Then there is an examination of Karl Steckelmann, the first collector who is a united states citizen. After which there is a critical account of William H. Sheppard, the second collector who is also a black Presbyterian Minister from Virginia. Then a broader discussion of public appearances of Black African images in public. This is followed by a detailed look at museum formation and practices. Next, there is a theoretical discussion of identity and race, and finally, a look at the impact of historical practices that continue into the 21st century. This book will be of interest to scholars of race and racism, African visual culture, heritage and museum studies.

African Masks surveys 248 of the finest examples of masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection, of which 100 are reproduced in stunning color illustrations. Leading scholars on African art describe the masks' historical and religious functions, and their symbolic significance.

This magnificently illustrated book covers each medium or craft in turn and examines in a clear and accessible manner the entire range of Black African art from aesthetic and ethnological points of view.

With images of African masks alongside contemporary African art, this book presents an original look at the role of the mask in African culture. Based on an exhibition of 180 masks and works by contemporary African artists, it offers a new interpretation of the mask as the universal object that both hides and reveals.

Since the end of Apartheid, there has been a new orientation in South African art and design, turning away from the colonial aesthetics to new types of African expression. This book examines some of the fascinating and impressive works of contemporary public architecture that 'concretise' imaginative dialogues with African landscapes, craft and indigenous traditions. Referring to Frantz Fanon's classic study of colonised subjectivity, 'Black Skin, White Masks', Noble contends that Fanon's metaphors of mask and skin are suggestive for architectural criticism, in the context of post-Apartheid public design. Taking South Africa's first democratic election of 1994 as its starting point, the book focuses on projects that were won in architectural competitions. Such competitions are conceived within ideological debates and studying them allows for an examination of the interrelationships between architecture, politics and culture. The book offers insights into these debates through interviews with key parties concerned - architects, competition jurors, politicians, council and city officials, artists and crafters, as well as people who are involved in the day-to-day life of the buildings in question.