Medusa. The african sculpture of enchantment. Ediz. illustrata - Hardcover

Wastiau, Boris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 8874394691 ISBN 13: 9788874394692

Verlag: 5 Continents Editions, 2008

Inhaltsangabe

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.

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Reseña del editor

Una selezione di importanti maschere e statue di arte africana, la cui funzione principale era quella di incantare le persone, così come la Medusa della mitologia greca pietrificava chiunque ne incrociasse lo sguardo. Queste opere non avevano il compito di rappresentare una persona o una cosa, ma possedevano un potere magico che agiva sul mondo e sulle persone che partecipavano ai rituali iniziatici, religiosi o terapeutici. Circondate di segreti e realizzate con una maestria eccezionale nella lavorazione dei materiali, le sculture e la maschere venivano presentate ai profani in complesse e impressionanti drammaturgie. L'autore passa in rassegna gli elementi costitutivi delle opere, i materiali e i colori, il soggetto, infine ne specifica il simbolismo e l'uso rituale.

Biografía del autor

Boris Wastiau is curator of the departments of Africa and the Americas of the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva. He is the author of the book Chokwe (2006) of the 5 Continents Visions of Africa series.

Über diese Auflage

• Verlag: 5 Continents Editions
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2008
• ISBN 10: 8874394691
• ISBN 13: 9788874394692
• Einband: Tapa dura
• Anzahl der Seiten: 239