NONFICTION

African Textiles Today

by Chris Spring
Smithsonian Inst. 2012. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 9781588343802. $45. FINE ARTS
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It is impossible to overstate the importance of textiles in African art, both traditionally and in the present day. Spring (African art, British Museum; African Art in Detail) has provided an excellent overview of the meanings and uses of textiles from all regions of the continent. Accompanied by color photographs of materials from the British Museum's collection, the text explains the various roles textiles play in African cultures. Chapters include "Textiles and Trade," "Textiles and Communication," and "African Textiles as Historical Documents." Spring's efforts to show how traditional cloths have inspired and been incorporated into contemporary African art demonstrate the vitality of these textile arts.
VERDICT Anyone interested in textiles, clothing, and how an art form can be expressive for people at all levels of society will find this volume a valuable resource.
Reviewed by Eugene C. Burt, Seattle , Mar 01, 2013
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