The Arts of Africa

Title: The Arts of Africa at the Dallas Museum of Art

Author: Roslyn A. Walker

Year of publication: 2010

Paperback: 304 pages

Language: English

Synopsis:

Dr. Roslyn Adele Walker id the Senior Curator for The Arts of Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas and The Margaret McDermott Curator of African Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Dr. Walker is also the author of the newly published book The Arts of Africa, the first catalogue dedicated to exploring the Museum’s collection of nearly two thousand African objects—acclaimed as one of the top five of its kind in the United States. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the collection, which began with a gift of more than two hundred objects from DMA benefactors Eugene and Margaret McDermott, the catalogue draws from both historical sources and contemporary research to examine over one hundred figures, masks, and other works of art representing fifty-two cultures, from Morocco to South Africa.

This beautifully illustrated book showcases 110 objects from the Dallas Museum of Art’s world-renowned African collection. In contrast to Western “art for art’s sake,” tradition-based African art served as an agent of religion, social stability, or social control. Chosen both for their visual appeal and their compelling histories and cultural significance, the works of art are presented under the themes of leadership and status; the cycle of life; decorative arts; and influences (imported and exported). Also included are many fascinating photographs that show the context in which these objects were originally used.