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The first publication of the Barnes Foundations important and extensive African art collection The Barnes Foundation is renowned for its astonishing collection of Postimpressionist and early Modern art assembled by Albert C Barnes a Philadelphia pharmaceutical entrepreneur Less known is the pioneering collection of African sculpture that Barnes acquired between and mainly from Paul Guillaume the Paris-based dealer The Barnes Foundation was one of the first permanent installations in the United States to present objects from Africa as fine art Indeed the African collection is central to understanding Barness socially progressive vision for his foundationThis comprehensive volume showcases all objects including reliquary figures masks and utensils most of which originated in Frances African coloniesMali Cte dIvoire Gabon and the Congoas well as in Sierra Leone Republic of Benin and Nigeria Christa Clarke considers the significance of the collection and Barness role in the Harlem Renaissance and in fostering broader appreciation of African art in the twentieth century In-depth catalog entries by noted scholars in the field complete the volume.