Author Description

The couple. The woman and child. The armed male. The rider. The stranger. For more than six thousand years, these five themes have appeared in countless works of art across the vast continent of Africa. The cultural ideals and values they embody are central to the lives of African peoples. Herbert M. Cole calls these timeless fundamental images icons. In this fascinating book, Cole explores the many different ways the icons have been depicted, used, and interpreted. "Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa" is lavishly illustrated iwth more than two hundred photographs. Cole discusses such diverse works as ancient rock paintings and engravings, archaeological bronzes and terra-cottas, wooden shrine sculptors, miniature metal castings, public monuments in clay or cement, shop signs, gold and ivory political emblems, and modern glass paintings. "Icons" is both a noteworthy contribution to scholarship and a compelling introduction to the vitality, richness, and history of African art. -- From publisher's description.