The Artfulness of Death in Africa John Mack

‘A much-needed publication relevant to the growing popular interest in death, dying, mourning and thereafter.’ — John Picton, Emeritus Professor, SOAS, University of London

‘The book is a genuine contribution to the study of the material culture and art of Africa. It is the first work (that I am aware of) that in systematic form develops a well-developed survey of the ways in which attitudes to death are made material in different instances across Africa. It brings to the fore some genuinely important questions and sets out, through a fantastic range of examples and erudite knowledge, an area of investigation often reduced or skimmed over in studies of ‘ritual’ or ‘religion’.’ — Will Rea, Senior Lecturer, School of Fine Arts, Leeds

‘Quite simply, a treat to read. Beautifully crafted and deeply thoughtful – this volume navigates complex terrain with innovation and flair.’ — Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art

‘This fascinating book provides a detailed insight into African art as it relates to death, but it is much more than this, through ranging across disciplines such as anthropology, history, and art history, the complexities of death in Africa and people’s ways of dealing with it both materially and conceptually are paradoxically, brought to life.’ — Timothy Insoll, Al-Qasimi Professor of African and Islamic Archaeology, University of Exeter