Sylvia Ardyn Boone
Sylvia Ardyn Boone was an American anthropologist, art historian, and author known for her expertise in the Mende culture of Sierra Leone and her work on the Sande society, an important secret society for women in West Africa. She was the first African-American woman to be tenured at Yale University, where she taught in the departments of Art History and African-American Studies. Boone was particularly celebrated for her book 'Radiance from the Waters: Ideals of Feminine Beauty in Mende Art,' which is considered a seminal work in the field of African art history.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Radiance From The Waters
"Radiance From The Waters" is an anthropological study that delves into the intricacies of Mende culture, particularly focusing on the Sande society, which is an influential women's association in Sierra Leone. The book explores the Sande's use of masks, the significance of their initiation rituals, and the embodiment of ideals of femininity and beauty. Through a detailed examination of the society's practices and symbols, the work illuminates the ways in which Mende women exert social power and maintain cultural heritage, offering readers a nuanced understanding of West African social structures and gender roles.
The 6122nd Greatest Book of All Time
