Malick Sidibe gained an international reputation for his documentation of the atmosphere and vitality of Bamako in a period of tremendous cultural change. Soon after Sidibe set up his own studio in 1962 he was highly sought after to photograph all the happening events and ceremonies in Mali, including football matches, weddings, Christmas Eve celebrations and the surprise parties thrown by groups of youths belonging to clubs. The clubs were named after their idols and the styles of western music (Los Cubanos, Les Caids, Les Las Vegas, etc.) which had just started being sold in Bamako. Malian independence brought not only a whiff of liberty and insouciance, but also dreams of Western consumerism and affluence. Sidibe sometimes photographed five events in one night before returning to the lab to develop the negatives. He would then display on the studio walls carefully numbered index prints which were glued on administrative folders. This book contains the facsimile reproductions of these 'chemises'. 168pp, GERMANY. STEIDL VERLAG.

A large format book exploring the way of life and the masquerade ceremonies of the Dogon people of Mali. Well illustrated with colour photographs by Stephenie Hollyman. Index, 176pp, USA. ABRAMS.

Explores the meanings embodied in Bamana door locks, objects that are both secular and sacred, art and craft. Large format, b/w ill, refs, bib, xxv, 93pp, USA. HOLMES & MEIER, 0841914141