Treasures of Islam in Africa. From Timbuktu to Zanzibar.
Silvana Editoriale| N° d'inventaire | 20587 |
| Format | 26 x 20 |
| Détails | 224p., color illustrations, paperback. |
| Publication | Milan, 2017 |
| Etat | Nine |
| ISBN | 9788836634187 |
More than fifteen centuries of cultural and spiritual exchanges between sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab-Muslim world have given rise to a prolific output. The Arab World Institute's exhibition brings together archaeology, contemporary art, architecture, and intangible heritage to reflect the richness and multiplicity of contacts between these cultures. From the 8th century onward, the Sahara became a space of circulation where major centers of knowledge emerged. The city of Timbuktu was the scene of this intellectual effervescence in the 16th century. To the east, Swahili culture drew strength from trade with the major ports of the Indian Ocean. The coexistence of spiritual practices is at the heart of these exchanges. It is evident in the plurality of architectural forms which, from east to west, offer places of worship unparalleled in the Arab-Muslim world. Ceremonial practices and magic also tell the story of encounters between traditions. Finally, the exhibition and its catalog pay tribute to craftsmanship by showcasing the skills of African Muslim artisans whose creativity shines across the continent. By putting all of these artistic productions into perspective, the arts of Islam open up to a new territory.
More than fifteen centuries of cultural and spiritual exchanges between sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab-Muslim world have given rise to a prolific output. The Arab World Institute's exhibition brings together archaeology, contemporary art, architecture, and intangible heritage to reflect the richness and multiplicity of contacts between these cultures. From the 8th century onward, the Sahara became a space of circulation where major centers of knowledge emerged. The city of Timbuktu was the scene of this intellectual effervescence in the 16th century. To the east, Swahili culture drew strength from trade with the major ports of the Indian Ocean. The coexistence of spiritual practices is at the heart of these exchanges. It is evident in the plurality of architectural forms which, from east to west, offer places of worship unparalleled in the Arab-Muslim world. Ceremonial practices and magic also tell the story of encounters between traditions. Finally, the exhibition and its catalog pay tribute to craftsmanship by showcasing the skills of African Muslim artisans whose creativity shines across the continent. By putting all of these artistic productions into perspective, the arts of Islam open up to a new territory.