THE ARTS OF ZAIRE (Vol. I + Vol. II)

Description

This comprehensive study of the arts Zaire concerns one of the outstanding cultural traditions of Africa. Due to the nature of the materials, the focus of the book is centered on the sculpture in its multidimensional aspects of shape, use, function and meaning and in its inter-relationship with other visual, verbal, musical, and kinetics. From large libraries, museums and archives to research in Europe and the United States, the main data disclosed is compiled and organized a group of synthetic and treated as a separate unit with its internal divisions and external relationships set in perspective. This first volume, on the southern Zaire, contains a review of the works of thirty-four populations with special emphasis on social contexts and rituals in which they occur. Regardless of the arts more widely known Pende, Mbala, Yaka, Suku and Holo, many less familiar artistic traditions from ethnic units such as Mfinu, Wuum, Yansi, Sakata, Hungaan and Tsong are also analyzed. Examination of different styles of art is organized by regions and ethnic groups and preceded by a comparative study of cultures in southwestern Zaire. Also included are chapters critically evaluate the available documents and outline the history of ethnography and art studies and methods of interpretation. Volume II, Eastern Zaire, examines the artistic production of eighteen Bantu-speaking ethnic group located in the eastern regions forest of Zaire and neighboring savannah areas. The next three volumes of the series will cover the arts and cultures of the Lower Zaire, South–eastern Zaire and northern and central Zaire.