Africa Adorned

by Angela Fisher

Everywhere among the peoples of Africa, even those who eke out a nomad's existence, the visitor sees objects of great beauty and style, often of extraordinary craftsmanship. Worn by men and women - whose bodies are also often painted or decoratively scarred, whose hair may be plaited or piled up elaborately or tinted with ocher, animal fat, or mud - the objects are often of great value, cast in gold or wrought in silver, inlaid with semi-precious stones, ivory, and coral.These remarkable adornments are not merely decorative, as visually striking as they may be. They speak of values and beliefs, of achievements and status; they play roles in ritual and ceremony; they act as safeguards against evil or disease; they serve as a means of propitiating ancestors or gods.First fascinated by its pure beauty, Angela Fisher has examined African adornment for over seven years, initially as a traveler and then increasingly as a close student of jewelry and body decoration. Traveling from the Sahara to Cape Horn, she has lived among peoples of diverse culture, studying and photographing not only what they wear but what meaning the objects and decorative forms have in their daily lives. For among the Zulu of Southern Africa young girls make and send beaded tabs for necklaces to their young white beads signify purity of love; black suggest that darkness prevents the lovers from meeting; beads of royal blue symbolize rejection. A Lobi woman of the Ivory Coast wears a lip plug to prevent evil spirits from entering her mouth. Among the desert Berbers silver is considered "the pure metal blessed by the Prophet" whereas gold has links with the devil.These stories and more, illustrated with exquisite photographs - over 400 of them in full color - provide a view of African life and its chief visual expression that has never been equalled. Fisher's researchers took her also to many museums and private collections, where objects of great antiquity and enormous value have found their way. It is there, increasingly, that the traditional cultureal forms are preserved, as the people themselves respond to new materials and imagery, which they quite naturally incorporate into their decoration. In identifying these evolutions and in studying the distinctive craftsmanship of Africa, Angela Fisher has made an important contribution. Her book is a fascinating, true-to-life study - a guide for the collector and connoisseur, a visual delight for the armchair traveler.

Genres: Art, Africa, Nonfiction, Photography, Reference

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 1984

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult for me to rate this book. It is such an amazing record of African adornments, so many of which are no longer practiced or are rare, that I couldn't help but be wistful even as I was taken aback in some cases. I don't feel qualified to judge another person's idea of beauty, especially when the adornments are so obviously culturally meaningful and unique. It is an amazing glimpse of the past and celebration of African art. I have to say it was marvelous; I certainly marveled!

[Peter Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fond memories of this, the first in a pioneering series on African jewelry and body adornment. Ijust went to put it on reserve -- and none of our local libraries still have a copy! I know I've read it at least twice . . . You don't see many books here with an average rating >4.8!

I see Amazon offering a VG used copy for ~$32 delivered. Hmm. Thrift?

[Kim Browers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true treasure. The photos, recounting of local beliefs/rituals/customs (without judgement), and sheer comprehensive nature of this book is priceless. As far as ethnographic jewelry documentation, the samples are fantastic. I'll definitely be hunting for more of Fisher's publications now that I've read this!

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Well put together, dedicated and comprehensive research. The excellent photography and very well articulated descriptions make this an informative and enjoyable coffee table book to spend time with. Inspiring creativity presented in an accessible and stimulating/educational format.

[Pamela Likely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures. Very informative about meanings behind certain jewelry worn. Great book to dip in and out of not a straight go through.

[Allison Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!