Those familiar with the books published by 5 Continents won't be surprised by the quality of the presentation, paper, binding and photography. Also pleasing is the lovely selection of objects representing this fascinating region of Africa. Art works are featured from the Zulu, Nguni, Tswana, Tsongo, Sotho, and Thembu Peoples. Catalogue items include staffs, neckrests, spoons, snuff containers, panels, ornaments, combs, pipes, knobkerries, containers, spears, and dolls.
South and east African tribal art remains over-looked and neglected. The source of distinctiveness for the artefacts of the southern African region lies in the pastoral and specifically nomadic nature of the cattle culture shared by the majority of the peoples in the region. The functional beauty of the objects and their small size are linked to the necessary ease to take them along as the need to move.