The Seattle Art Museum has the good fortune to accommodate the Katherine White Collection. Acquired in 1981, it retains a reputation as an authoritative selection of African art of exceptionally high quality. The precedent set by Katherine White's discerning eyes and documentation efforts has helped to raise the connoisseurship in the field of African art.

One widely debated issue for connoisseurs of African art is that of authenticity. Museums are committed to continually reviewing their holdings to assure that no questionable artistry is presented to the public. Study collections become repositories for objects under scrutiny for dubious traits. Examination of a range of similar works of art increases the awareness of what is true for one style or culture.

This booklet provides a behind the scenes glimpse at this evaluative process. It incorporates objects relegated to the study collection that are challenged because they were created for a tourist market. Works of art that show obvious influences of contemporary pressures by still maintain an authentic tie to an indigenous culture are also discussed. Through this brief investigation, the reader is led to consider standards derived both from a Western sense of aesthetics and from an African sense as well.

Price: $6.50

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