Forum: Redefining Art and Art History; The Aesthetics and Power of Masks and Amulets in West and Central Africa and across the Atlantic World.

This article discusses two recent publications by art historians Susan Gagliardi and Matthew Rarey, which provide unique perspectives on the study of power objects and amulets in West and Central Africa and across the Atlantic world. Gagliardi challenges traditional categorizations of art objects and emphasizes the researcher's positionality in acquiring knowledge, while Rarey focuses on the cultural and historical context of objects and materials. Gagliardi's work explores the gendered participation in male power associations, while Rarey examines the significance of amulets in the lives of enslaved Africans. Both books offer valuable insights into the study of these often misunderstood objects and their cultural and historical significance. [Extracted from the article]