Africa

Library Journal

Many early publications on African art emphasized the identification of "masterpieces," an approach that was largely abandoned by scholars doing field research on specific cultures using anthropological techniques. This volume by art historian Stepan (Icons of Photography) returns to the great masterpieces tradition by offering a selection of 50 objects, drawn from all regions of Africa and shown in 80 fine color photographs. The introductory text explores the changing attitudes in the West to the appreciation of African art. The bulk of the book is in catalog format, with sections on Central, Eastern and Southern, West, and North Africa. Each section is introduced with a brief social and cultural survey of the region and then photos of the selected objects accompanied by an extensive description. As in most surveys of African art, sculpture predominates, but the book also includes textiles, basketry, beadwork, painting, and other media. As an attractively presented introductory survey-the first in a proposed series on major traditions of world art-this volume can be well recommended for general collections.-Eugene C. Burt, Data Arts, Seattle Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.