- Collection:
- Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University Theses and Dissertations
- Title:
- Reflections of the past: the case of Mozambican art, the Maconde and the Shetani, 2000
- Creator:
- Hill, Erness A.
- Date of Original:
- 2000-12-01
- Subject:
- Degrees, Academic
Dissertations, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- This thesis examines to what extent the shetani icon in Maconde Art has been elevated to the status of deity; and what powers it has been endowed with to transform the lives of its 'worshippers.' The investigation was based on the observation that, although not a recognized 'god' in the traditional Maconde form of worship, nor that of Mozambique, the shetani's appearance in Mozambican art was consistent and abundant. The investigative approach used was a comparative analysis of three internationally known Mozambican artists, two of which are Maconde. The researcher found that with all three artists, the shetani was an obvious element in their artistic renderings and in each instance, their individual lives, though not unique, were charged with suffering and unhappiness.The conclusion drawn from this investigation suggests that, although created by a Maconde for the purpose of patronage, the shetani icon has become a 'deity' not only for the Maconde, but for Mozambicans, as well. While not 'worshipped' in the sense that Westerners worship, it has been endowed with powers that transform the lives of those who identify with it. At the very least, it has been endowed with the power to promote their artistic abilities with a view to catalyzing greater creativity.
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:2000_hill_erness_a.pdf
- Rights Holder:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Holding Institution:
- Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
- Rights:
-
