Oxford University Press Early Art and Architecture of Africa

Students and the general reader will find this a fascinating overview of a neglected area of art history. Garlake (formerly U. of Ife, Nigeria, he has done archaeology in various parts of Africa, and now studies rock art in Zimbabwe) displays great familiarity with a broad scope of African art, frequently citing recent archaeological finds within his discussion. The text is organized geographically (North Africa and ancient Egypt are omitted) and covers a time period from prehistory to c.1500. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) This new history of over 5,000 years of African art reveals its true diversity for the first time. Challenging centuries of misconceptions that have obscured the sophisticated nature of African art, Garlake focuses on seven key regions--southern Africa, Nubia, Aksum, the Niger River, West Africa, Great Zimbabwe, and the East African coast--treating each in detail and setting them in their social and historical context. Garlake is long familiar with and has extensive practical experience of both the archaeology and the art history of Africa. Using the latest research and archaeological findings, he offers exciting new insights into the works native to these areas, and he also puts forth new interpretations of several key cultures and monuments. Acknowledging the universal allure of the African art object, this stunning book helps us to understand more about the ways in which this art was produced, used, and received.