Ancestors of Congo Square

Featuring exquisite examples of tribal arts, the New Orleans Museum of Art’s collection of sub-Saharan African art is considered one of the best of its kind in the United States. With new scholarship from fifty of the leading experts around the world, this elegantly designed volume is the only comprehensive book in print that celebrates this prestigious collection, and is the first to document many of its important works. West and Central Africa are two major areas of traditional tribal art production that are heavily represented, particularly the Igbo, Yoruba, Benin, Ijo, and Ibibio peoples in Nigeria and the Chokwe peoples in Angola. Among the Yoruba objects are three rare sculptures by the renowned master carver Olowe of Ise and two by Areogun of Osi-llorin.

The book also features an eighteenth-century shrine figure of Onile, one of seven extant large copper alloys from the Osugbo Society. Other major strengths include art works from the Djenne, Bamana, Dogon, Baule, Fang, Tabwa, Luba, and Bembe peoples. The many fascinating objects illustrated include masks, figures (reliquary, shrine, ancestor, and initiation), textiles, storage and utility vessels, prestige objects, furniture, costumes, and marionettes. Also included are rare examples of jewelry and musical instruments made of a fascinating variety of materials including wood, ivory, stone, terra cotta, cloth, beadwork, and various metals, including gold. Providing rich information on the history and function of each piece within its societal context, as well as full documentation of provenance, this historic volume will be essential to all those interested in African art and culture.

Edited by William A. Fagaly, Hardcover