Books by Patrick McNaughton

Examining the artistic, technological, social, and spiritual dimensions of Mande blacksmiths, who are the sculptors of their society, this book defines these artists' conceptual place as extraordinary members of a complex culture.

In 1978, Patrick McNaughton witnessed a bird dance masquerade in the small town of Dogoduman. He was so affected by this performance that its artistic power has never left him. Here, he considers the components of the performance, its pace, the performers, and what it means for understandings of Bamana and West African aesthetics and culture.