The Scramble for Art in Central Africa

Description

The contributors to this volume trace the life history of artifacts that were brought to Europe and America from Congo toward the end of the nineteenth century, and became the subjects of museum displays. They also present fascinating case studies of the pioneering collectors, including such major figures as Frobenius and Torday, discuss the complex and sensitive issues involved in the business of "collecting," and consider how these objects were used in the invention of Africa by the West.

'The Scramble for Art in Central Africa makes a major contribution to deepening our understanding of Central Africa through deepening our understanding of how our view of it has been constructed. Prospective readers should be further encouraged by the fact that the prose is clear and accessible throughout and the production excellent, with well-chosen illustrations.' Times Literary Supplement 'The essays in this book provide us with a quite excellent introduction to the ways in which the art - or the craft - of 'others' was comprehended over time by western artists and scholars.' History Today '... a volume which will certainly sit in many libraries amongst the essential reads of the history of collecting in all its applications.' Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute