Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgments
A Note on Language

Introduction: The Field and the Work

Part 1. Elementary Lessons in the Art of Building
1. Back to Work
2. Staking a Claim
3. Magic and Mortar
4. Conflict and Resolution
Part 2. Portraits of Life and Work in Djenné
5. Master and Apprentice
6. The Michelangelo of Djenné
7. Vulnerable Craftsmen
8. Cat Heads and Mud Miters
9. Yappi's Confession
10. Finishing Off

Epilogue: Continuity and Change

Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Promotional Information

Artful building practices in one of Africa's most beautiful places

About the Author

Trevor H. J. Marchand is Professor of Social Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is author of Minaret Building and Apprenticeship in Yemen.

Reviews

"Offers a compelling narrative which leads the reader - following the author's experiences - through all stages of construction, and it provides rich and comprehensive portraits of the masons who execute the building process and who are the producers and keepers of Djenne's unique architectural style." Geert Mommersteeg, University of Utrecht "An elegantly written and important anthropological study of indigenous knowledge, building practices, and social relationships among contemporary Djenne masons in Mali." Mary Jo Arnoldi, Smithsonian Institution