The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects

In the context of ever-increasing international interest in African crafts, Nasozi Kakembo cogently addresses issues of cultural appropriation, the need to be mindful of descriptive terminology, and the ethical sourcing of craft pieces in The African Decor Edit: she even provides a useful set of guidelines for buyers. This is followed by a carefully researched set of chapters – traversing nine different countries, mostly in West Africa – in which various forms of craft, and some of the individual artisans who create these, are profiled and explored in detail. From carved Senufo stools in Côte d’Ivoire to Congolese Kuba cloth and Ghanaian Bolga baskets, the wide range of skills and traditions covered make this a fascinating and instructive reference. And there’s more! In the second half of the book, Kakembo visits 10 beautiful homes around the world that showcase African decor items.