The artfulness of death in Africa / John Mack.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mack, John, 1949- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Funeral rites and ceremonies--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Funeral rites and ceremonies.

Sepulchral monuments--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Sepulchral monuments.

Funeral decorations--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Funeral decorations.

Death--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Death.

Death in art.

Art--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Art.

Art, African--Themes, motives.

Art, African.

Sub-Saharan Africa.

Physical Description:

283 pages : illustrations (black and white, and color) ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

London : Reaktion Books, 2019.

Summary:

If weddings are the most lavish events in most parts of the world, in Sub-Saharan Africa, by contrast, it is funerals. Funeral celebrations can be flamboyant occasions, particularly those honouring prominent people. Artworks of many kinds are created to commemorate the dead, from mortuary sculptures and extravagant coffins, to elaborate headstones, memorials, monuments and cenotaphs. This is a unique survey of the artful nature of funerals in Africa. Drawing on a wide range of historical, anthropological, archeological, art historical and literary sources, John Mack charts the full range of African funereal art, drawing on examples from across the continent, and from ancient times to today. Featuring abundant illustrations, some of which have never been published before, this is essential reading for those interested in African art, culture, society and history.

Contents:

Introduction

1. Understanding death

2. The death of royalty

3. The artfulness of funerals

4. Funerary masquerade

5. Grave sites

6. Relics, shrines and memorials

7. Modern practices.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-272) and index.

ISBN:

1789141230

9781789141238

OCLC:

1085148519