"The sculptures in this books, from four style groups in Central Africa - Kongo, Teke, Luba and Songye - were selected above all for their beauty, with a preference for pieces displaying carved signs linked to magic and witchcraft. The texts and photographs take an original slant on these figures, helping us see what is sublime or appealing in them and revealing something of the magic, mystery and fear they embody." -- Book jacket.
Contemporary scholarly discourses about decolonising materialities are taking two noticeable trajectories, the first trajectory privileges establishing “connections”, “relationships” and “associations” between human beings and nature. The second trajectory privileges restoration, restitution, reparations for colonial dispossessions, lootings and disinheritance. While the first trajectory presupposes that colonialism was merely about “separation”, “alienation”, and “disconnections” between human beings and nature, the second trajectory stresses the colonialists’ dispossession, disinheritance and privations of Africans. Drawing on contemporary discourses about materialities in relation to semiotics, (non-)representationalism, rhetoric, ecocriticism, territorialisation, deterritorialisation and reterritorialisation, translation, animism, science and technology studies, this book teases out the intellectually rutted terrain of African materialities. It argues that in a world of increasing impoverishment, the significance of materialities cannot be overemphasised: more so for the continent of Africa where impoverishment “materialises” in the midst of resource opulence. The book is a pacesetter in no holds barred interrogation of African materialities.
The Jungle Folk of Africa by Robert H. Milligan is an enthralling and informative exploration of the diverse and vibrant cultures that inhabit the African jungle. Milligan, an expert in African studies, provides readers with an in-depth look at the daily lives, traditions, and customs of the indigenous peoples who call the dense and often untamed jungles of Africa their home. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous research, Milligan brings to life the rich tapestry of life in the African jungle. The book covers various aspects of jungle life, from the unique social structures and rituals of different tribes to their interactions with the natural environment. Readers are introduced to the customs, beliefs, and survival strategies of these fascinating communities, offering a window into a world that is both remote and intriguing. The Jungle Folk of Africa is praised for its engaging narrative and detailed observations, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in anthropology, African studies, or travel literature. Milligan’s ability to convey the complexities of jungle life with both respect and insight provides a deeper understanding of the people and cultures that thrive in one of the world’s most enigmatic regions. For those interested in exploring the lesser-known facets of African culture and the challenges faced by its jungle inhabitants, The Jungle Folk of Africa offers a compelling and educational journey into the heart of one of the world’s most captivating environments.
