Small, Hidden World of Africa
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ISBN: 978-83-7638-737-6
Description: softcover, 111 pp. (22,5x22cm), b&w, coll. photographs
Condition: new
Weight: 440g.
Small, Hidden World of Africa, ed. by M. Banas and E. Lubinska, Krakow 2016
Exhibition catalogue, text in Polish and English
The cult of figures and magical objects, which is widely practiced in Africa, comprises practical manifestations of a world which is usually not perceived by the inhabitants of the Western world. It is a supernatural world beyond reality, in which matter is a reduced substance to the greatest degree and becomes secondary to the spirit and its good and evil varieties (otherness).
This publication accompanied an exhibition organized in the Jagiellonian Library from 10 May to 2 June 2016 by the Institute of Intercultural Studies, Faculty of International and Political Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. The artifacts presented at the exhibition stemmed from the Pier-Luigi Peroni collection. The guiding concept of this enterprise was an attempt to show the specific nature of the spiritual cultures of selected ethnic groups of Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, it was also aimed at displaying the fact that, despite the passage of time, belief in magical objects, as well as their power, is still alive and lasting there while comprising an element of the past which is an indispensable part of the African here and now and one which may not be understood without reference to a world of magic, spells and charms.
"From exotic curio to investment opportunity: African arts are now more often valued for their auction potential than for the joy of discovery and intimate appreciation still felt by scholars and artists alike after more than a century. As a result, public attention has focused on acknowledged masterpieces, unanimously praised for their unique, aesthetic superiority, which has led to the marginalization of many other remarkable artifacts that cannot be deciphered without a willingness to exercise our best critical faculties.
The recent exhibition in Cracow deserves, in this respect, to be remembered for its gallant contribution to the rediscovery of African art. The specimens displayed, selected from the extensive, highly innovative collection of Pierluigi Peroni, consist entirely of pocket-sized objects, confirming the originality of the curator’s approach.
There is little doubt that deeply felt religious beliefs and ancient ethnic values are behind the exquisite workmanship in these miniature marvels.
If this excellent exhibition were to inspire others of its kind, the siege of commerce may yet be broken, heralding the revival of an authentic interest in African arts." (Aldo Tagliaferri)
Introduction
Stanistaw Grodz
'Other','small' or 'African' religions? Short characteristics of African Traditional/Indigenous Religions
Aneta Pawlowska
Controversies around African aesthetics
Daniela Bognolo
The charms and amulets in voltaic peoples: spiritual struggle with dangers from invisible beings
Edyta Lubinska
In the world of the Putchu Guinadji - horsemen against madness. Interview with Pierluigi Peroni
Biograms
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