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Architecture Decorative Arts Fine Art Forthcoming Titles Instruments and Technology Oriental Art Exclusive Titles 2007 - 2008 Catalogue

Catalogue >Decorative Arts >  Spectacular Display - The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals Spectacular Display - The Art of Nkanu Initiation Rituals Dr. Annemieke Van Dammen This book illustrates the decorated wall panels, sculpture and masks created during initiation rights of the young men of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The works consist of panels with brightly painted figurative elements that are carved in high relief. These are displayed to signal the successful completion of the rite and to recognise the initiate's newly-acquired adult status. 305 x 245 mm 96 pages 40 colour and 8 mono illustrations ISBN: 0 85667 554 7 | £14.95  Online price: £10.50 / €15.75 The introduction looks at Nkanu arts within Central African artistic traditions associated with rites of passage. The introductory essay describes the customs of the Nkanu peoples. The author looks at the artistic and craft traditions of the local artisans and examines the secret language that their masks and sculpture convey. The catalogue section is divided into three sections: Initiation Panels and Freestanding Sculptures, Masks and Head Posts. Each entry is fully illustrated and accompanied by a short description of the history and symbolism attached to each object. Dr. Annemieke Van Dammen is the first scholar to complete field research of the Nkanu peoples and to study arts associated with Nkanu initiation rituals. Contributor: Dr David A. Binkley is Senior Curator at the National Museum of African Art.