adminYeukai Karengezeka Entertainment reporter
Renowned historical researcher and ethnographer Henrik Ellert launched his book titled “Mozambique Mosaic” at the Gallery Delta over the weekend.
The guest of honour at the function, sculptor and jeweller, Patrick Mavros commended Ellert’s passion for the culture and artefacts of African people.
“Ellert writes books that everyone can read when introduced to the culture of the people of Africa for the first time.
“He fertilises your mind with books based not only on theory but on the rich tapestry of history.
“It is wonderful for Mozambique to have this beautifully choreographed and highly readable account of its material culture,” he said.
Ellert said his passion is to write books that anyone can understand and was happy with the turn out of people.
“I have lived with my passion for the material culture of this part of Africa for the past 40 years.
“My mission is to see in everyday things we use in our lives, history, and culture and to make it accessible to the general reader,” he said.
The story spans several millennia and shows how traditional practices and crafts persist right through to the modern day.
It includes vessels for food and drink, pottery, pipes, basketry, stools, miscellaneous household objects, clothing and adornments, spears, bows and arrows, swords, dancing weapons and musical instruments.
Another launch of “Mozambique Mosaic” is scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique later this year.
The prolific author, Ellert was born in Denmark but has lived most of his life in Eastern and Southern Africa including Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
His previous works include “The Material Culture of Zimbabwe”, “The Traditional Art of Zimbabwe”, and “Rivers of Gold”, a history of the Portuguese occupation of Zimbabwean gold fields.
Online Reporter