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Art and power - in the savannah of Central Africa.
PETRIDIS Constantine.

Art and power - in the savannah of Central Africa.

Mercator background
€45,00 €0,00
N° d'inventaire 30093
Format 25 x 30
Détails 160 p., numerous color photographs, bound under dust jacket.
Publication Brussels, 2008
Etat Nine
ISBN 9789061538318
Revealing the powers inherent in works long considered in the West to be merely exotic or abstract, Constantin Petridis examines the hidden face of Luba, Songye, Tshokwe, and Luluwa art to find, literally etched into the sculpture, the forces that allow the spirit world to intervene in everyday life. The ritual use of these objects is believed to ensure the good health of the newborn, success in hunting, or victory over an enemy. Analysis of the scientific literature sheds light on the changing conceptions of power and prestige that have fostered the development of sophisticated and majestic styles long admired by art lovers. These sculptures, however, retain the mysterious power of humbler objects to which humans have always attributed the ability to protect, heal, and harm. Art and Power examines a specific artistic culture: the sacred and the profane are indivisible, aesthetic and moral values are inseparable.
Revealing the powers inherent in works long considered in the West to be merely exotic or abstract, Constantin Petridis examines the hidden face of Luba, Songye, Tshokwe, and Luluwa art to find, literally etched into the sculpture, the forces that allow the spirit world to intervene in everyday life. The ritual use of these objects is believed to ensure the good health of the newborn, success in hunting, or victory over an enemy. Analysis of the scientific literature sheds light on the changing conceptions of power and prestige that have fostered the development of sophisticated and majestic styles long admired by art lovers. These sculptures, however, retain the mysterious power of humbler objects to which humans have always attributed the ability to protect, heal, and harm. Art and Power examines a specific artistic culture: the sacred and the profane are indivisible, aesthetic and moral values are inseparable.