African Forms : The Traditional Design and Function of Objects

Rating:
Summary: This is a gorgeous book
Review: This is a gorgeous book. As a filmmaker who makes films about rituals, celebrations, and ethnic traditions, I was delighted to see how the soul and culture of the people comes accross through their objects. And these objects are beautiful - textural and detailed to the point where one can almost touch them. The photographer did a great job using lighting that gives the work a three-dimensional look. But this is more than just a great photo book. The careful explanations that accompany each one demonstrate the sophistication and refined aesthetic of people who were once easily dismissed as "primitive". I found it interesting to note how vast their use of materials was - wood, metals, beads, ceramics, etc. Although not a collector in any way, I would have been glad to own any of these objects. Better yet, I now own the book, and would definately recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: This is a gorgeous book
Review: This is a gorgeous book. As a filmmaker who makes films about rituals, celebrations, and ethnic traditions, I was delighted to see how the soul and culture of the people comes accross through their objects. And these objects are beautiful - textural and detailed to the point where one can almost touch them. The photographer did a great job using lighting that gives the work a three-dimensional look. But this is more than just a great photo book. The careful explanations that accompany each one demonstrate the sophistication and refined aesthetic of people who were once easily dismissed as "primitive". I found it interesting to note how vast their use of materials was - wood, metals, beads, ceramics, etc. Although not a collector in any way, I would have been glad to own any of these objects. Better yet, I now own the book, and would definately recommend it.