A Host of Devils : The History and Context of the Making of Makonde Spirit Sculpture

ISBN-13: 9780415277273 / Angielski / Twarda / 2002 / 272 str.

Zachary Kingdon

Opis

A Host of Devils provides an in-depth account of the background, origin and development of a unique contemporary artistic movement which first emerged during colonial times among the Makonde people who mainly inhabit the Mueda plateau in Cabo Delgado region, Mozambique. Against this background account, which includes detailed analysis of aspects of traditional Makonde visual and performative culture, the book presents a cultural and contextual analysis of the spirit figure sculptures which constitute a major formal type within the movement. The creation of such works is shown to connect with assumptions that underpin a regional system of knowledge and practice, within which spirits function as a format for expression. The book describes the particular ways in which the role of the sculpture emerged among a small group of influential carvers in accordance with foreign patronage and the various factors that influenced the way in which creative abilities were able to develop. The particular aesthetic concerns and creative intentions of two of these carvers are examined in more detail.

Recenzje

'This is a book that should be in every library devoted to African art.' - T.O.Beidelman, Anthropos

Spis treści

Preface. 1. The Makonde 2. Cosmology and the Body 3. Carvers and Patrons 4. Apprenticeship 5. Spirits, Affliction and Expression 6. The Role and Position of the Sculptor 7. Realms of Mastery and Subjugation, Instruments of Mediation and Passage 8. Conclusion: the Creative Project. Glossaries. Bibliography.

O autorze

Zachary Kingdon is the Curator of African Collections at the Liverpool Museum and conducted research among Makonde sculptors in Tanzania between 1990 and 1992.