Black Africa: Masks, Sculputres, Jewels

Traditional African art is profoundly influenced by many factors: religion and magic; the belief in omnipresent occult forces; ancestor worship involving sacrifices; funeral rites; initiation ceremonies; masked dances for all important life events; the power of secret societies; the chief's desire for prestige; the love of jewelry and the pursuit of beauty in the most lowly of objects. This book is a major and complete work which reveals and explains the secrets and origins of Black African art.