This comprehensive survey of African art discusses the art from the perspective of art history, unlike most account that tend to focus on a more anthropological interpretation. A History of Art in Africa shows how African art has developed from beliefs, traditions, and cultural and historical influences. The book challenges current perceptions of African art and presents it as conceptual and intentional in its own right, rather than as intuitive or "primal" impulses, as it has been previously perceived. The text covers the entire continent of Africa, including Egypt, and incorporates the influences of Islamic and Christian religious artistic traditions as well.