Masterpieces of Primitive Art

New York: Alfred A. Knopf; A Borzoi Book, 1978. Cloth, 263 pages, illustrations (some colour); 30 cm. Near fine. Firm binding, clean inside copy. Age toning. Stated First Edition. Dust jacket protected in a mylar book cover. OVERSIZE! No priority/air, except by special arrangement. A lavish publication featuring the Nelson A. Rockefeller collection of ethnographic objects from Africa, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The designation of non-Western art as "primitive" has subsequently become politically incorrect; indeed, this publication - and the accompanying installation of the works - stirred vigourous debate about Western imperialism and the role of museums in appropriating cultural artifacts (including clothing, furniture, household utensils, tools, and ceremonial objects) from other societies under the rubric of "art." Nelson Rockefeller opened the Museum of Primitive Art in Manhattan in 1957 and presented this collection to the Metropolitan Museum in 1979 with the dedication of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. Richly illustrated with colour plates, organized thematically.. 1st. Hardcover. Very Good/Fine. Illus. by Boltin, Lee (Photographs by). 4to. Collectible.