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Sahel

Art and Empires on the Shores of the Sahara
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Sahel offers a comprehensive exploration of the art and culture of the Sahel region of Africa, spanning over 1,300 years from the pre-Islamic era to the 19th century. The book highlights a vast geographical area along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, encompassing countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Chad. Featuring essays by leading international scholars, it delves into diverse expressions including art, architecture, archaeology, literature, philosophy, religion, and history. The volume showcases early African art and renowned sculptures from the Dogon and Bamana peoples, illuminating the rich and enduring creativity of this historic crossroads.
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Format: Hardback
$11999
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This volume is ideal for readers interested in African arts and culture, history enthusiasts, scholars, and visitors of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition seeking an in-depth understanding of the Sahel's cultural heritage.

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"This catalogue is published in conjunction with Sahel: art and empires on the shores of the Sahara, on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from January 30 through May 10, 2020."--Colophon.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A comprehensive exploration, spanning 1,300 years, of the art and culture of the Sahel region of Africa

This groundbreaking volume examines the extraordinary artistic and cultural traditions of the African region known as the Sahel (“shore” in Arabic), a vast area on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert that includes present-day Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Chad. This is the first book to present a comprehensive overview of the diverse cultural achievements and traditions of the region, spanning more than 1,300 years from the pre-Islamic period through the 19th century.

It features some of the earliest extant art from Africa as well as such iconic works as sculptures by the Dogon and Bamana peoples of Mali. Essays by leading international scholars discuss the art, architecture, archaeology, literature, philosophy, religion, and history of the Sahel, exploring the unique cultural landscape in which these ancient communities flourished. Richly illustrated and brilliantly argued, Sahel brings to life the enduring creativity of the different peoples who lived, traded, and traveled through this crossroads of the world.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
(January 29–May 10, 2020)

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Andrew Sears of 21: Inquiries into Art, History, and the Visual praises the book's approach for rewriting history by focusing on the vibrant Sahel region itself rather than solely on trade.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781588396877

Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 January 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Illustration: 277 color illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 229.0mm

Height: 279.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Alisa LaGamma is Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer Curator in Charge in the Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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