Overview

This is a comprehensive introduction to African art and to the enchanting powers of masks and sculptures.Just as the mythological Greek figure Medusa possessed the extraordinary power of turning onlookers into stone, the stunning African artifacts, masks, and statues showcased in this fascinating book were all created to cast spells on people. The function of these objects was not merely to symbolize a person or thing, but to incarnate a magical power that could act on people and the world during religious and medicinal rituals.Mysterious and exceptionally crafted, these masks and sculptures are deciphered by African art specialist Boris Wastiau, who examines their symbolism and ritual usage, and explores the connection between the material and spiritual. Against a backdrop of allegories are more than 100 beautifully photographed works from the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva; Medusa is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to African art.

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9788874394692

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Boris Wastiau is curator of the departments of Africa and the Americas of the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva. He is the author of the book Chokwe (2006) of the 5 Continents Visions of Africa series.

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