Elefanten, Schaukelnde Goetter Und Tanzer in Trance

The bronze sculptures from Bastar, India, depict powerful gods and their representatives in a trance, showcasing a largely unknown but vibrant culture. This first monograph by Cornelia Mallebrein presents the diversity of bronzes, stylistic features, and iconographic details, along with photographs of rituals, festivals, and dancers in trance. It also provides a socio-cultural background of the sculptures and their production, with portraits of casters, priests, and sacred dancers.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Scheidegger und Spiess AG, Verlag

The bronze sculptures originate from the Bastar region in the heart of India, where the so-called "indigenous people" or Adivasis still reside today. These remarkable works captivate with their extraordinarily powerful and highly stylized representations of mighty gods and their earthly representatives in a trance, offering a glimpse into a largely unknown but still thriving culture.

In this comprehensive monograph, Cornelia Mallebrein, a renowned scholar in the field of rural and tribal art of Central India, presents a comprehensive exploration of the diverse world of bronzes. Through her extensive research spanning decades, she delves into the stylistic characteristics, iconographic details, and photographs of rituals, festivals, and dancers in trance. Additionally, a report provides insights into the socio-cultural background of these sculptures and their intricate production process, featuring portraits of casters, priests, and sacred dancers.

This book is a rare and invaluable insight into the artistic traditions of India, offering a profound understanding of the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Adivasis. It is meticulously published in conjunction with an upcoming exhibition at the Museum Rietberg in Zurich, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience.

ISBN-13: 9783858813565