The Royal Arts of Africa: The Majesty of Form

This lavishly illustrated, historically grounded book draws together key traditions from West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa to present an informative and captivating survey of the most important royal arts in sub-Saharan Africa kingdoms from 1500 to the present day. Exploring the diverse ways that African rulers have employed art and architecture to define individual and state identity, it provides an overview of the major themes in royal African art and discusses what these arts reveal about the nature of kingship.Examines political, social, religious and historical concerns, and embraces issues that have root in a wide variety of disciplines, including art history, anthropology, philosophy and folklore. Offers original and provocative visual analyses, and discusses a broad range of topics, including palace architecture, women of the court, enthronement ceremonies, royal burials, and the importance of art in diplomacy and war. Introduces the central issue of divine kingship and themes of ambiguity in royal power identity.For art historians.