This new history of over 5 000 years of African art reveals its true diversity for the first
time. Challenging centuries of misconceptions that have obscured the sophisticated nature of
African art Garlake focuses on seven key regions--southern Africa Nubia Aksum the Niger
River West Africa Great Zimbabwe and the East African coast--treating each in detail and
setting them in their social and historical context. Garlake is long familiar with and has
extensive practical experience of both the archaeology and the art history of Africa. Using the
latest research and archaeological findings he offers exciting new insights into the works
native to these areas and he also puts forth new interpretations of several key cultures and
monuments. Acknowledging the universal allure of the African art object this stunning book
helps us to understand more about the ways in which this art was produced used and received.
