Daniel Laine

Even today there are close to 100 tribal kings in Africa, vestiges of a former age—their ancient traditions preserved, their wisdom and power still honored. A portal into these worlds of mysterious rites, ancient customs, and fantastic finery, AFRICAN KINGS takes us into the inner circle of 70 of these tribes in the person of their king. Gorgeous formal portraits of each king, in full regalia, are accompanied by brief biographies and historical notes on the tribe and the rituals and history associated with each ruler. AFRICAN KINGS introduces us to a way of life rarely glimpsed, with anthropological roots as deep as any on the earth, as they make the transition into a new millennium. Includes a historical introduction that provides an overview of the king's role in African tribes.… (plus d'informations)

Phenomenal book that photographs 70 of the extant kings of Africa in ceremonial robes but familiar surroundings. Some of these kings are very powerful rulers with palaces, courts and many retainers. Others are photographed in generally exotic and regal robes but rather poor homes with dirty shutters and a sole retainer in rags but who still retain a spiritual power over their people. The book includes a woman king who is not allowed to marry men and so has wives and a white high-noble: the only white man in Africa carried on a bier in a procession.

The story of the white man is quite interesting. He was a Cambridge graduate out in Kenya who did not want to leave after Independence. Some years later the king decided that a white man would be the best person to decide inter-tribal disputes and appointed him. It has apparently now become a trend among tribal chiefs and kings to create a high-status position for a white man to settle disputes as they might be African but they will not be tribal.

Fascinating book from every angle - photographic, social and as a portrait of a part of modern Africa that people are not aware of.

Now if it only included recipes...… (plus d'informations)

Recommended by Petra X.

A large format, beautifully photographed collection of portraits of African kings. "King" is a misnomer as they're primarily clan heads and other group leaders, some titular and others actually powerful. The Introductory essay, "Origins of the African Kingdoms" by Pierre Alexandre, is dense but very useful for putting the portraits in context. It's also helpful for understanding the notes on each portrait, which are not well-organized.

It's interesting to see similarities and differences in ceremonial garb, retinue, and other visual details. For example, several wear headpieces with strings of beads obscuring their faces. I'd have liked clearer commentary about how different groups and customs are related, and a map would have helped a lot.… (plus d'informations)