This comprehensive work considers and presents the arts of Africa as art history, rather than as expressions of anthropological and societical impulses and traditions. The book's aim is to animate the study of African art, showing how it has continuously developed from evolving beliefs and traditions, complex cultural interactions, historical and economic realities and gifted individuals. Every corner of the continent, including Egypt, is explored from pre-history to present day, with equal treatment given to all the arts. The Islamic influence and the Christian arts of Ethiopia and Nubia are examined, as are tourist arts and arts that have risen from interaction with Europe. Contemporary art forms are also explored, including the art of the African diaspora.