Spectacular Display: The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals

Annemieke Van Dammem; David A. Binkley (intro.)

ISBN 10: 0856675547 / ISBN 13: 9780856675546

Published by National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution and Philip Wilson Publishers, Washington, D.C., 2003

About this Item

1st ed. 94pp. Near fine copy.

Seller Inventory # 021894

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Spectacular Display: The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals
• Publisher: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution and Philip Wilson Publishers, Washington, D.C.
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0856675547
• ISBN 13: 9780856675546
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art & Design

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.