ASSOULINE African Arts: The Impossible Collection

Though African art was traditionally rooted in ritual, its aesthetic brilliance cannot be denied. Created by audacious and inventive artists, African masks and sculptures—once mischaracterized as mere "idols"—reveal the continent's rich histories and diverse traditions.

African Arts: The Impossible Collection showcases masterpieces from renowned private and public collections worldwide. Featuring iconic works like a 16th-century Nigerian queen mother ivory pendant and a commemorative figure from Cameroon-Grassfield, this book celebrates the creativity of African artists, known and unknown.

Across 12 chapters, Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter explores Fang reliquaries, iconic masks, terra-cotta pieces, and more, celebrating themes like metalwork, utility, and eternal femininity. This beautifully curated edition is the ultimate tribute to African art’s rich heritage.