MASKED RITUALS OF AFIKPO
Subtitle: The Context of an African Art
Author: S. Ottenberg
Material Type: general or thematic Work
Publisher: The University of Washington Press, Seattle and London, 1975. Hardcover with binding of full fabric editor burgundy with black stylized decorative trim and gold on the wafer under jacket illustrated color good condition with shelf wear, in-4 , size: 22 x 28.5 cm, ISBN 0-295-95391-8
Content: 230 p, 69 ill.. b / w, 16 pl.coul., 8 maps, biblio., 5 tables, glossary, index
Additional information: original edition. Published on the occasion of an exhibition at The Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington from 24 May to 21 June 1975
State of the work: Very good condition
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Description
In a unique approach to the subject of popular African art, S. Ottenberg considering a major form of sculptural art of African society, carved mask, and analyzes every aspect – styles, uses, cultural contexts and symbols, functions, and aesthetic. The population of Afikpo Village – Group in the Central East Nigeria has developed a hidden tradition which, in its close association with the secret society of men, and the annual festival cycle is an important part of the life of Afikpo. Since mask creates a barrier between the wearer and the public, it often allows performers to act more openly than they usually do, and so it is through the hidden games that there is satire and commentary on significant social practices Afikpo. For each of twelve wooden calabash and two net mask shapes found in Afikpo, the author gives a detailed description of basic style variations, origins, and uses. In describing the process of coloring and sculpture masks, S. Ottenberg also defines the position of sculptors in Afikpo social ladder. The bulk of the book is devoted to showing how the masks are used in various rituals – dances and game scenes, the parade “njenji” stalking games, foot races and initiations secret society. The text itself and the report and interpretation, presentation in 1952 of the most elaborate of Afikpo traditions, “okumkpa” recreate the show, step by step. All along, Ottenberg mixed his perspective – a mixture of anthropology, art history and Western aesthetics – with his own feelings and reactions Afikpo masks and rituals. In this way, he adds to his previous writings on social relations of Afikpo revealing their cultural concepts and values. (Thirty-six color photographs and numerous illustrations b / give a pictorial richness to the original text).
Additional information
| Weight | 1310 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22 × 28.5 cm |
