Art Institute of Chicago

Casas Grandes and the ceramic art of the ancient Southwest.

Published in conjunction with an exhibition held at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2006, this volume has relevance beyond the exhibition for its in-depth treatment of this somewhat neglected field of ceramics, with three lengthy essays included. The first, by Townsend (curator of African and Amerindian art at the Art Institute), describes the civilization, archaeology, and art of the communities that produced the Casa Grandes pottery in what is now northwest Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona. Barbara Moulard (art history, Arizona State U.) discusses the pottery's style and painted motifs, and Ken Kokrda provides a fascinating essay on the ceramics' production and context within the lives of the people who produced it. The volume, which is oversize (10.25x11.25 inches), is beautifully illustrated with photos of these and related ceramics in full-page color plates of superb quality. Co- published and distributed by Yale U. Press. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

For hearth and altar; African ceramics from the Keith Achepohl collection.

Published to accompany an exhibition held at the Art Institute of Chicago in the winter of 2005-2006, this oversize (10.25x11.25 inches), beautifully illustrated catalog contains an introductory essay by Berzock (curator of African art at the Institute) and lengthy catalog entries for 125 mainly 20th-century ceramics. The production of the ceramics, their resemblance to the human body, their decoration and use are themes explored in the essay, with many photos of ceramic production today. Co-published and distributed by Yale U. Press. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)