Spectacular Display: The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals

Annemieke van Damme, David Aaron Binkley, National Museum of African Art

ISBN 10: 0856675547 / ISBN 13: 9780856675546

Published by Smithsonian National Museum of African Art ; Philip Wilson Pub., Washington, D.C., London, 2002

About this Item

94 pages : illustrations (some color), maps ; 31 cm. Contents: Coming of age in central Africa Situating nkanda The art of nkanda Notes: Published in conjunction with the exhibition held at the National Museum of African Art, December 16, 2001-March 3, 2002.

Seller Inventory # 7cb716

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Spectacular Display: The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals
• Publisher: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art ; Philip Wilson Pub., Washington, D.C., London
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0856675547
• ISBN 13: 9780856675546
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art
  • Africa
  • Anthropology

About this title

Synopsis

The introduction looks at Nkanu arts within Central African artistic traditions associated with rites of passage. The introductory essay describes the customs of the Nkanu peoples. The author looks at the artistic and craft traditions of the local artisans and examines the secret language that their masks and sculpture convey. The catalogue section is divided into three sections: Initiation Panels and Freestanding Sculptures, Masks and Head Posts. Each entry is fully illustrated and accompanied by a short description of the history and symbolism attached to each object.

About the Author

Dr. Annemieke Van Dammen is the first scholar to complete field research of the Nkanu peoples and to study arts associated with Nkanu initiation rituals.

Contributor: Dr David A. Binkley is Senior Curator at the National Museum of African Art.