Description
Book SynopsisFor more than 1000 years Africans from Senegal to the Cape wore bangles, lots of them. The bangle style was African and unique chunky, weighty and solid.
Their precious metal was not gold or silver but bronze. They established their own sophisticated technology.
This once uniform decorative culture has almost disappeared. In this book, the beautiful, meaningful African bangle culture is recorded.
Trade Review“The author explores a hugely important but overlooked aspect of the traditional cultures of Africa and throws fascinating new light on its richness” Malcolm McLeod CBE, formerly Keeper of Ethnography, British Museum;“If you have roots in Africa read this – and be proud.” Schelley Kiah, Film and Television Art Dept. Coordinator, Hollywood.
Table of ContentsPREFACE THE BANGLE CULTURE A spontaneous and unique culture Bangles not rings Precious metal; bronze – not gold or silver The African style; weighty, chunky, solid The defining material culture of sub-Saharan Africa THE BRONZE BANGLE What is “bronze”? What is a “bangle”? Bronze bangles – the supply The distribution of metallurgical skills Bangles for everyone The demand How did the bangle culture arise? The bigger story A typology of bronze bangles OTHER MATERIALS Bronze is not the only material The companions – Iron and ivory The outliers – stone and gold Animal, vegetable, mineral, including glass and glass beads LIVING THE BANGLE CULTURE More than decoration Barter: standard of value: store of wealth: medium of exchange Martial uses Beauty: “Il faut souffrir pour être belle” Dance Decline and fall THE BANGLE CULTURE TODAY What is left in Africa? Does the bangle culture survive among African Americans? Books, films, et cetera Bibliography Index Photographs Present-day states of sub-Saharan Africa
