The Artistic Traditions of Non-European Cultures, vol. 6

The latest edition of "The Artistic Traditions of Non-European Countries" focuses on African cultures, exploring topics beyond the realm of visual arts. In this issue, the contributors aim to uncover the links between arts and forms of communication across various African societies.

Throughout history, humans have devised ways to preserve the fleeting nature of oral communication, ensuring the longevity of the ideas embedded in spoken words. While the tools and methods have evolved over time, the fundamental objectives have remained unchanged. These objectives include the ability to recall spoken words, to capture and safeguard thoughts for future generations, and to employ simple symbols to reference ideas consistently across contexts.

This volume delves into the myriad ways people have communicated in the past and continue to do so in Africa today, utilizing a diverse array of artistic, oral, and written methods. Central to the authors’ exploration is the intersection of these communication methods, highlighting the mutual influence between spoken language and visual expression.