African Design: An Illustrated Survey of Traditional Craftwork (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

African Design: An Illustrated Survey of Traditional Craftwork (Dover Fine Art, History of Art) by Trowell, Margaret. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780486427140.

Vigorous and eloquently beautiful, African art has exerted a tremendous influence on the development of modern art. The primitive strength of its motifs is displayed in this volume on African design, as incorporated in traditional craftwork by tribes spanning the continent — from Mali and Sudan in the north to Zambia in the south. Nearly 200 illustrations depict geometric patterns in ornamental basketry; repetitive motifs in fabrics, batik, and tie-dyed cloth; incised and moulded decorations on the exteriors of houses; beaded bags, belts, and boots; carvings on an ivory bracelet, on jugs and bowls, wooden drinking vessels, door panels, fans, a drum; and much else. Each object is identified and tribal source cited. Of interest to artists and craftworkers, this collection of striking designs will also serve as an excellent reference for collectors and students of African art.