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.

This history of over 5000 years of African art reveals its true diversity. Challenging centuries of misconceptions that have obscured the sophisticated nature of African art, Peter Garlake uses up-to-date research and archaeological findings to offer fresh insights. All the main regions are covered: southern Africa, Nubia, Aksum, the Niger River, West Africa, Zimbabwe, and the East African Coast. Acknowledging the allure of the African art object, this book aims to restore it to its original social and historical context, and to help us understand more about the ways in which this art was produced, used and received.

a fascinating book...gorgeous examples Independent

• Introduction
• Rock Art of Southern Africa
• Nubia
• Aksum
• The Niger River
• West African Forests
• Great Zimbabwe and the Southern African Interior
• The East African Coast
• Notes
• List of Illustrations
• Further Reading
• Timeline
• Index