Emblems of Passage

Documents 125 emblems of passage (paired or separate artworks) from the living and historic ethnic cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Around the world, rites of passage are marked with works of visual art accompanied by music, song, dance and drama. In ethnic cultures, commemoration of these passages is the most common reason objects of significance are made. Emblems are created and exchanged to signify the major stages or turning points such as birth, initiation, marriage, parenting, social status, and death.

This volume documents 125 emblems of passage (paired or separate artworks) presenting a balanced selection of art from the living and historic ethnic cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Alongside the illustrations appear art historical or anthropological essays and quotations from the lenders. In addition to presenting anthropological and art historical information, the volume is enhanced by voicing the thoughts and feelings a work of art invokes in its present-day guardian. Most of the artworks have never been published before.