The History of African Art

This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to contemporary times. Set against the backdrop of postcolonial debates and the restitution of cultural artifacts, the book delves into core themes of African visual and cultural expression, including trade, empire expansion, gender, the body, and representations of power. Structured chronologically, it covers ancient art, the Middle Ages, encounters with Europe during the age of exploration, the colonial era, and modern artistic practices. Written from an inclusive, modern perspective, the book focuses not only on royal traditions but also on the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices. Authored by Suzanne Preston Blier, a leading expert on African art and a professor at Harvard University, this volume serves as an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors, and anyone interested in fine art, African history, and cultural studies. citeturn0search0