Kathleen Bickford Berzock
Practicing centuries-old techniques that have been passed through
generations, African potters craft their wares by hand from terracotta
clay, firing them in the open to create vessels of amazing durability.
These pieces embody an immediacy of form and a deceptive simplicity
that reflect their makers' deep understanding of material,
process, and embellishment. This exquisite book presents a virtuoso
group of African ceramics collected by printmaker and professor Keith
Achepohl over the past 25 years. Focusing on the aesthetic
accomplishment of each work, Achepohl has assembled a collection that
ranges in date from the 3rd to the mid-20th century, spans the African
continent, and displays the full range and artistry of African ceramics.
Beginning with a small group of archeological pieces that demonstrate
the historical roots of ceramic traditions in Africa, the book also
offers a larger selection that highlights the continuing connection
between pottery and village life, secular and sacred, in Africa. Among
the featured works are large, dramatic storage and water containers;
mid-sized vessels designed to hold personal belongings, serve food, and
brew beer and palm wine; and small bottles and embellished containers
made as luxury items and for religious and ritual use.
Exhibition: December 3, 2005–February 20, 2006
September, 2005
10 x 11 in.; 204 pages; 187 illustrations
Hardcover $45.00
ISBN: 0-300-11149-5
Softcover $24.95 ISBN: 0-86559-221-7
Order online from the Art Institute Museum Shop or call 1-800-905-8537.
Available to booksellers at wholesale prices from Yale University Press.
Related exhibition: For Hearth and Altar: African Ceramics from the Keith Achepohl Collection
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