A Personal Journey

The variety of objects included in this catalogue contribute to our knowledge of central African artistry, introducing little-known traditions and overlooked art forms. The book features 75 significant works of art from the Lawrence Gussman collection, taken from more than 30 different African cultures spanning the present-day nations of Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Zambia. While there are many works representing well-known genres of African art, such as Fang reliquary figures and Luba leadership arts, this book equally represents works less familiar to Western audiences, such as a rare Holo stringed instrument and an unusual Kota metal-covered mask. Viewed together, the works present a broad portrait of central African art that emphasizes the dynamic nature of cultural exchange in the region while recognizing the singular expression of African artists.