It was with much excitement that I awaited the publication of The Art of Southern Africa. Following closely on the heels of The Art of Southeast Africa, The Art of Southern Africa is a selection of objects from the Terence Pethica collection. The book is an essential buy for any collector of art from the region. The book is richly illustrated, with text by leading South African scholars Sandra Klopper and Anitra Nettleton.
The text includes research on the style and iconography of headrests and the figurative works associated with initiation school, indigenous patrons and new foreign markets.
The art of Southern Africa, unlike the better-known traditions of central and western Africa, has been long overlooked. This book calls close attention to the art of this region through 140 objects, reproduced in full-colour plates. The pieces come from Southern African countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola and Zambia.
Featuring objects ranging from ornamental adornments, kitchen implements, prestige staffs, dance wands, figures for initiation ceremonies, figures for secret stages of personal growth, objects for battle, and objects for dance and spirits, this book brings together a magnificent compilation of works, many of which have never been seen before, made of wood, metal, bone and rhinoceros horn. My only minor gripe was that I would like to have seen more beadwork objects save. My favorite objects included a wonderful figurative prestige staff (#72) and a very rare initiation figure (#70).
The book is published by 5 Continents and is available at most ethnographic bookstores and online at Amazon.com
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