A Host of Devils: The History and Context of the Making of Makonde Spirit Sculpture

by Zachary Kingdon

Overview

A Host of Devils provides an in-depth account of the background, origin and development of the spirit figure sculptures which emerged during colonial times among the Makonde people of Mozambique.
The creation of such works is shown to connect with a regional system of knowledge and practice, within which spirits function as a format for expression. The book describes the ways in which the sculpture emerged, as well as the author's experience of learning how to carve.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415511018
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/22/2012
Series:	Studies in Visual Culture
Pages:	266
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Zachary Kingdon is the Curator of African Collections at the Liverpool Museum and conducted research among Makonde sculptors in Tanzania between 1990 and 1992.

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. The Makonde 2. Cosmology and the Body 3. Carvers and Patrons 4. Apprenticeship 5. Spirits, Affliction and Expression 6. The Role and Position of the Sculptor 7. Realms of Mastery and Subjugation, Instruments of Mediation and Passage 8. Conclusion: the Creative Project. Glossaries. Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

'An attractive and intersting book.'

'This is a book that should be in every library devoted to African art.' - T.O.Beidelman, Anthropos

'This is a book that should be in every library devoted to African art.' - T.O.Beidelman, Anthropos

From the Publisher