Author: WASTIAU, BORIS
Title: Medusa: the African sculpture of enchantment / Boris Wastiau; photography by Jonathan Watts
Description: [Milan] Genève London: 5 Continents; Musée d'ethnographie de Genève; Harry N. Abrams [distributor 2008. 1st edition. Fine printed board copy in an equally fine dust-wrapper. Particularly and surprisingly well-preserved; tight. bright. clean and especially sharp-cornered. Physical description; 239 p.: col. ill.; 29 cm. Notes; 'Conceived for the exhibition 'Medusa. The African sculpture of enchantment' at the Musée d'ethnographie de Genève (Switzerland) from 14th November 2008 to 30th December 2009.' -- T.p. verso. 'Ville de Genève. Département de la Culture.' Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-239). Summary; 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. Subjects; Musée d'ethnographie de la ville de Genève - Exhibitions. Sculpture. African - Exhibitions. Masks. African - Exhibitions. Art and mythology - Exhibitions. Ethnological museums and collections - Switzerland. RELIGION. AFRICA [Geography]. Art. Mythology. Exhibition Catalogues. Photographs. Pictorial Works. Art of indigenous peoples; Sculpture. ART / African. Weight in Kg appr.:

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