Description
Book SynopsisExamining the artistic, technological, social, and spiritual dimensions of Mande blacksmiths, who are the sculptors of their society, this book defines these artists' conceptual place as extraordinary members of a complex culture.
Trade Review" ... finely crafted scholarship. Elegant and graceful, yet packed with knowledge and information, it embodies the aesthetic qualities which it describes and explores." American Ethnologist "The text is detailed and informative, and enjoyable reading ... " Choice "The Mande Blacksmith is an important book ... sensitive, sympathetic, multifaceted, and thorough ... " African Arts "McNaughton's Mande Blacksmiths is undeniably the most profound study of African artists yet published." Ethnoarts " ... penetrating ... McNaughton boldly grapples with the thorniest issues related to his subject and articulates them with clarity and precision." International Journal of African Historical Studies " ... a work in the best tradition of ethnographic research... critical reappraisal, innovative inquiry, and fresh observation ... make this book an invaluable fund of new material on Mande societies ..." American Anthropologist "McNaughton ... provides an important interpretation of these artists' conceptual place as members of a complex culture." Religious Studies Review
Table of ContentsPreface Note on Orthography Acknowledgments I. Blacksmiths in Mande Society The Mande Social System The Nyamakala Special Professionals Nyamakala and the Smiths' Ambiguous Status II. The Mande Smiths as Craftsmen Techniques Products Articulation III. Smiths and the Shape of Civilized Space The Principles of Medicine and Sorcery A Hierarchy of Practitioners Rainmaking Divination Doctoring Amulets and Secret Devices Social Instrumentality Circumcision The Relative Roles of Blacksmiths and Hunters IV. The Blacksmiths' Sculpture The Character of Sculpture and the Other Roles of Smiths The Smiths' Iron Art Tamaw: Spear Blades Fitinew: Iron Lamps Negemusow and Negesotigiw: Iron Women and Iron Horse Masters Komokunw: The Power Masks of the Mande Smiths V. The Mande Smiths as Men of Means The Problem of Explanations The Unity of Enterprise The Resolution of Movement The Contradiction of Position The Responsibility of Artists Notes Bibliography Index
