West African Combs: Mina & Samir Borro Collection

This book is put together like a jewel and contains a carefully chosen selection of around 100 West African combs from one of the world's largest and finest private collections of sub-Saharan African art. Featuring a hitherto unseen assortment of pieces assembled over a period of more than 60 years, the book also includes an authoritative analysis by Alain-Michel Boyer, who approached this rarely addressed theme in what was his final work, begun almost ten years ago. As well as offering us valuable insights into the cultures that produced these miniature sculptures (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria), he explores the way the form itself is approached. These creations transform what is in principle a plain accessory and in the effort to attain pure beauty, they display an aesthetic awareness that raises the adornment of the body to the level of fine art. AUTHOR: Alain-Michel Boyer (1949 - 2025) was an anthropologist and art historian. He held an argrégation in literature and a BA from the Institut d'études politiques, as well as two doctorates (Sorbonne, Paris). Following his Fulbright Scholarship (United States), he taught at several American universities. After serving as a member of the Conseil national des universités in Paris, Alain-Michel Boyer then became emeritus professor of African Art. He lived for several years in Ivory Coast, particularly among the Baule and Yaure peoples. He also carried out several research missions in various regions of Africa. He carried out definitive research, particularly in the field of the arts of Ivory Coast. He authored around twenty books, including Comment regarder les arts d'Afrique (Hazan, 2017), Baule (5 Continents Editions, 2008) and Le corps africain (Hazan, 2006). He published the only books on the masks and figurines of two peoples hitherto neglected by art historians: Les Yohouré de Côte d'Ivoire. Faire danser les dieux (Ides et calendes, 2017) and Les figurines kulango. Les esprits mystérieux de la brousse de la collection Pierluigi Peroni (5 Continents Editions, 2017). He was an Officier de l'ordre national du Mérite de la République de Côte d'Ivoire. SELLING POINTS: . An exceptional selection of West African combs from one of the most important private collections of sub-Saharan African art . A hitherto unseen collection of carefully selected works assembled over more than sixty years . The African comb, a theme rarely addressed in the history of art . The book is accompanied by an authoritative analysis by Alain-Michel Boyer . It offers valuable insights into the cultures that produced these combs (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria) . An essential reference work for devotees of African art and anthropology, and art and beauty in general 152 colour illustrations