Drawn from African dwellings
By: Jean-Paul Bourdier and Trinh T. Minh-ha.
Contributors: Trinh, T. Minh-Ha 1952-
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Bloomington, Ind
Language: eng
Number of pages: 308
Subjects: Vernacular architecture -- Africa, West; Symbolism in architecture -- Africa, West; Housing, Rural -- Africa, West
Other titles: African dwellings
Description: This exquisitely illustrated study takes us into the traditionally built dwellings of African society. This "life-in-architecture" material culture reveals the socioeconomic and cosmological organization and the world views of these societies. Bourdier and Trinh connect structural patterns - setting, design, decoration, orientation - to factors such as kinship, gender, history, religion, poetry, and oral traditions.

The authors focus on a variety of African peoples, including the Fulbe, Tokolor, Sereer, Joola, Soninke, Mandingo, Jaxanke, and Bassari. Through photographs, beautifully detailed drawings, and theoretical reflections, Bourdier and Trinh challenge the common perception that traditional dwellings are static artifacts.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 295-306) and index.