Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks

by Peter Stepan

Spirits Speak presents a selection of the most important African masks found in major museums and renowned private collections around the an overview such as has never been compiled in this way before. Artistic mastery, charisma, age and authenticity were paramount selection criteria with only the very best examples representing each well-known mask type. An introductory essay elucidates the conceptual intricacies and varying functions of the masks and sweeps away deep-rooted misunderstandings. Enlightening commentaries offer background information about the function and origins of each mask's use within the ethnic groups from which they originate, and a foldout map places them in their original geographical context.

Genres: Art, Africa, Nonfiction

185 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2005