British Museum Pattern Books reproduce in line drawings the rich variety of patterns and designs which decorate art and artefacts in the British Museum and elsewhere. "African Designs" is the fifth book to be published in this series. An introduction gives a brief history of African art from the earliest rock paintings to the most recent pottery and basket work. Over three hundred patterns illustrate the great diversity of artistic styles from all parts of the continent. They are taken from a wide variety of sources including pottery, wood carving, flags, armour and textiles. 128pp, UK BRITISH MUSEUM PRESS.

A collection of full colour photographs evoking the varied and vivid interiors of the continent. 191pp, GERMANY. TASCHEN.

A catalogue collecting over 900 African posters from the Basler Afrika Bibliographien (BAB) Namibia Resource Centre and Southern Africa Library. The posters selected represent a broad cross section covering many countries, times periods, themes, events and artistic styles. The posters are organised into eight chapters; 'Liberation Movements and Exile', 'Solidarity and Anti Apartheid', 'Elections', 'Nation Building', 'Awareness and Health', 'Economy', 'Knowledge, Information and Belief', 'Leisure and Pleasure'. Because of the location of the BAB, there is an emphasis on posters from Namibia, though as a whole the catalogue presents a striking addition to Africa's visual history and the study of the poster as a ideological tool. Index, notes, 301pp, SWITZERLAND. BASLER AFRIKA BIBLIOGRAPHIEN.

Using 200 illustrations depicting a wide range of African designs on a variety of media, from pottery and sculpture to cloth, the author shows the richness of African motifs across the continent. Chapters are organised by themes such as Textile Design, Ornamental Basketry, Cicatrisation and Body Adornment, Calabash Patterns and Decorative Metal Work. 157pp, USA. DOVER.

2002 BOOK 1 Paperback

2002 0958451362 Paperback

2002 Paperback

2003 Paperback

2003 Paperback

New edition. From masks to the symbolic script of the Ashanti, symbols play an important role in all aspects of African life. These sacred items come in a breathtaking array of styles, and here, divided into six areas of cultural similarity, are some of the most beautiful, along with explana-tions of their meanings. Demons, for most Africans, are responsible for justice and retribution: the superb demon mask shown depicts Kponingo, who belongs to the mythical world of the Senufo in the Ivory Coast. A calabash with the beak of a hornbill, adorned with cowrie shells and made by medicine men, is a typical instrument of witchcraft. Other fascinating symbols include sculptures, cave paintings, status symbols, and art for everyday use. Index, b/w illus, 320pp, USA. STERLING PUBLISHING Co. INC.

Resource book collecting together 375 copyright free African designs representing tribal arts through geometric patterns, stylised animals and decorative abstractions. Includes a CD ROM which allows the designs to be transferred onto a computer. B/W ill, 48pp, USA. DOVER.

New in paperback. A well-illustrated visual journey through the various African alphabets, describing their place in art and culture. The author, a Zimbabwean graphic designer, describes his twenty year journey to collect information on the highly graphical and inspiring symbols that make up the alphabets collected. Among those featured are Adinkra symbols, the Tifinagh alphabet of the Tuareg, Somali and Ethiopic scripts, Mnemonic devices, Bussa Vah scrpit and Nsibidi. Illustrated with colour photographs and images. Index, gloss, bib, map, xix, 169pp, USA. MARK BATTY PUBLISHERS.

A journal of South African design discussing a range of topics from advertising slogans to traditional painted houses. 70pp, SOUTH AFRICA,

Various graphic systems designed to express and transmit ideas or to convey messages were known in sub-Saharan Africa in pre-colonial times, ideographic and pictographic systems. One of the most intriguing of these traditions, known across eastern Angola into northwestern Zambia, among speakers of Luchazi, Chokwe, Lwena and related languages is the tusona ideographs. This work is a fascinating excursion into symbolism, the remote history of eastern Angola, Luchazi oral literature, mathematics, graphic art and communication. Bib. b/w illus, b/w photos, 365pp, GERMANY. LIT VERLAG.

A survey of graphic work being carried out on posters, book and album covers, packaging and promotion, celebrating the creative impulses of Africa, the Far East, Latin America and the Middle East, that are often the antithesis of European and North American design. Illustrated in colour. Index, 160pp, UK. MERRELL.