A Host of Devils

Zachary Kingdon here provides an in-depth account of the background, origin and development of the spirit figure sculptures which emerged during colonial times among the Makonde people of Mozambique.

Zachary Kingdon is the Curator of African Collections at the Liverpool Museum and conducted research among Makonde sculptors in Tanzania between 1990 and 1992.

Preface. 1. The Makonde 2. Cosmology and the Body 3. Carvers and Patrons 4. Apprenticeship 5. Spirits, Affliction and Expression 6. The Role and Position of the Sculptor 7. Realms of Mastery and Subjugation, Instruments of Mediation and Passage 8. Conclusion: the Creative Project. Glossaries. Bibliography.