In 1978, Patrick McNaughton witnessed a bird dance masquerade in the
small town of Dogoduman. He was so affected by this performance that its dazzling
artistic power has never left him. As he revisits that very special evening in A
Bird Dance near Saturday City, McNaughton carefully considers the components of the
performance, its pace, the performers, and what the entire experience means for
understandings of Bamana and West African aesthetics and culture. The performance of
virtuoso dancer Sidi Ballo becomes McNaughton's vehicle for understanding the power
of individuals in African art and the power of aesthetics as a cultural phenomenon.
Topics such as what makes art effective, what makes it "good," how production is
wrapped in individual virtuosity, and what individual artistry suggests about
society reveal how individuals work together to create the indelible experience of
outstanding performance. This exuberant and captivating book will influence views of
society, culture, art, history, and their makers in West Africa for years to
come.
In 1978, Patrick McNaughton witnessed a bird dance masquerade in the
small town of Dogoduman. He was so affected by this performance that its dazzling
artistic power has never left him. As he revisits that very special evening in A
Bird Dance near Saturday City, McNaughton carefully considers the components of the
performance, its pace, the performers, and what the entire experience means for
understandings of Bamana and West African aesthetics and culture. The performance of
virtuoso dancer Sidi Ballo becomes McNaughton's vehicle for understanding the power
of individuals in African art and the power of aesthetics as a cultural phenomenon.
Topics such as what makes art effective, what makes it "good," how production is
wrapped in individual virtuosity, and what individual artistry suggests about
society reveal how individuals work together to create the indelible experience of
outstanding performance. This exuberant and captivating book will influence views of
society, culture, art, history, and their makers in West Africa for years to
come.
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A Bird Dance near Saturday City: Sidi Ballo and the Art of West African Masquerade
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A Bird Dance near Saturday City: Sidi Ballo and the Art of West African Masquerade
328eBook
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Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780253000415 |
---|---|
Publisher: | Indiana University Press |
Publication date: | 08/20/2008 |
Series: | African Expressive Cultures |
Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
Format: | eBook |
Pages: | 328 |
File size: | 949 KB |