African Holistic Health Paperback – June 16, 2004

A concise, accessible, and up- to-date overview of the arts of Africa from prehistoric times to the present day.This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to the contemporary, set in the context of postcolonial debates, the restitution of cultural objects and artifacts, and the challenges of the present. This enormous and complex field of study, once under-appreciated by the Western art world, is now of global importance and an essential subject of education in art history.For ease of reference and analysis, leading African art expert Suzanne Preston Blier has structured this guide chronologically into manageable and meaningful chapters covering ancient art, the Middle Ages, travel and trade, encounters with Europe in the age of exploration, the colonial era, the rebuilding of the continent in recent times, and contemporary art. Addressed are core, continent-wide themes in African visual and cultural expression, from the life cycle (children, initiation, motherhood, religion) to the body and representations of power dynamics. Important regional artistic expressions are also explored, such as the cultures of Mali (the Western Sudan), Nigeria (the lower Niger and Benue area), the Congo Basin, and various nomadic populations across the continent.Written from an inclusive, modern perspective, focusing not only on royal traditions but also the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices, this is an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors, and anyone with an interest in fine art, African history, and cultural studies. 121 color illustrations

Discover the roots of modern-day herbal remedies, plant medicine, holistic rituals, natural recipes, and more that were created by African American herbal healers throughout history.

This first-of-its-kind herbal guide takes you through the origins of herbal practices rooted in African American tradition—from Ancient Egypt and the African tropics to the Caribbean and the United States. Inside you’ll find the stories of herbal healers like Emma Dupree and Henrietta Jeffries, who made modern American herbalism what it is today.

After rediscovering the forgotten legacies of these healers, African American Herbalism dives into the important contributions they made to the world of herbalism, including: Rituals for sacred bathing and skin careRituals for sacred bathing and skin careHerbal tinctures, potions, and medicine Herbal tinctures, potions, and medicine Recipes for healing meals and soul food Recipes for healing meals and soul food And more!And more!You’ll also find a comprehensive herbal guide to the most commonly used herbs—such as aloe, lavender, sage, sassafras, and more—alongside gorgeous botanical illustrations. African American Herbalism is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to explore the medicinal and healing properties of herbs.