Masks Of Black Africa

Pictures grotesques, masks, and headdresses of various African tribes as well as exploring the psychological and ideological meaning, and ritual function of masks

This magnificently illustrated book covers each medium or craft in turn and examines in a clear and accessible manner the entire range of Black African art from aesthetic and ethnological points of view.

This book is an examination of race, Black African objects, identity, museums at the turn of the 19th century in the U.S. via the history of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the U.S.. Misrepresenting Black Africa in American Museums explores black identity as a changing, nuanced concept. Focusing on racial history in the United States, this book examines two of the earliest collectors of Black African objects in the United States. First, there is a history of race and ideas of primitiveness is presented. Next, there is a discussion of western concepts of race. Then there is an examination of Karl Steckelmann, the first collector who is a united states citizen. After which there is a critical account of William H. Sheppard, the second collector who is also a black Presbyterian Minister from Virginia. Then a broader discussion of public appearances of Black African images in public. This is followed by a detailed look at museum formation and practices. Next, there is a theoretical discussion of identity and race, and finally, a look at the impact of historical practices that continue into the 21st century. This book will be of interest to scholars of race and racism, African visual culture, heritage and museum studies.

Black Skin, White Masks is a classic, devastating account of the dehumanising effects of colonisation experienced by black subjects living in a white world. First published in English in 1967, this book provides an unsurpassed study of the psychology of racism using scientific analysis and poetic grace.Franz Fanon identifies a devastating pathology at the heart of Western culture, a denial of difference, that persists to this day. A major influence on civil rights, anti-colonial, and black consciousness movements around the world, his writings speak to all who continue the struggle for political and cultural liberation.With an introduction by Paul Gilroy, author of There Ain't No Black in the Union Jack.

Describes how different types of masks are made and used in Africa and how they reflect the culture of their ethnic groups.

Since the end of Apartheid, there has been a new orientation in South African art and design, turning away from the colonial aesthetics to new types of African expression. This book examines some of the fascinating and impressive works of contemporary public architecture that 'concretise' imaginative dialogues with African landscapes, craft and indigenous traditions. Referring to Frantz Fanon's classic study of colonised subjectivity, 'Black Skin, White Masks', Noble contends that Fanon's metaphors of mask and skin are suggestive for architectural criticism, in the context of post-Apartheid public design. Taking South Africa's first democratic election of 1994 as its starting point, the book focuses on projects that were won in architectural competitions. Such competitions are conceived within ideological debates and studying them allows for an examination of the interrelationships between architecture, politics and culture. The book offers insights into these debates through interviews with key parties concerned - architects, competition jurors, politicians, council and city officials, artists and crafters, as well as people who are involved in the day-to-day life of the buildings in question.

Psychology has had a number of things to say about black and coloured people, none of them favourable, and most of which have reinforced stereotyped and derogatory images. Beyond the Masks is a readable account of black psychology, exploring key theoretical issues in race and gender. In it, Amina Mama examines the history of racist psychology, and of the implicit racism throughout the discipline. Beyond the Masks also offers an important theoretical perspective, and will appeal to all those involved with ethnic minorities, gender politics and questions of identity.