Most of the superb African objects discussed in this book date from the nineteenth century.They illustrate the wealth of technical and aesthetic creations developed in over one hundred tribes ranging from Guinea in the west and Kenya in the east, and from Northern Mali to South Africa.

There is nothing arbitrary about an african object : each one draws upon the fundamental myths of the collective experience, while respecting aesthetic and symbolic norms, and they are almost always the product of ancestral techniques.presented by theme, the magnificent objects in this book, chosen from more than a hundred ethnic african groups,express a wealth of aesthetic and technical solutions.each object, whether a ceremonial or household instrument,has its roots in the collective memory.the stunningly detailed full-colour illustrations, depicting vessels and spoons, furniture, pounded bark and fabric, arms, musical instruments and ornamental apparel, perfectly complement laure meyer's authoritative text to demonstrate convincingly that in africa the western distinction between fine art and the decorative arts does not exist. africa's arts and crafts are here shown to be truly captivating with their symbolic force and formal beauty.

Introduction. The art of the object in Black Africa

1 Furnishings for the hut and palace

2 The culinary arts: bowls, bottles and spoons

3 The colourful world of textiles and woodbark

4 The splendour ofjewellery and adornments

5 Weapons for combat and prestige

6 The pleasures of social life: music, games and tobacco

7 Regalia, privilege of the great chiefs

Conclusion

Map

Notes

Where to see African objects

Index

Selected bi bliogra phy

Acknowledgements

Photo credits