Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars: Making Things Whole (Folk Art and Artists Series)

Fire-cat masks earth mother icons henna tattoos ankhs and water altars--these objects may sound like the inventory in an ancient druids sanctuary. But they are part of the sacred reliquary created by contemporary artists and practitioners of Neo-Pagan ritual.. Calling themselves witches and pagans and drawing inspiration from pre-Christian polytheistic worship the practitioners of Neo-Paganism have often been misunderstood by outsiders. In the uninitiated their art and iconography have inspired fear.. In featuring the works of ten artists Sabina Maglioccos Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars unlocks the meanings of this religions creativity and symbolism and makes its sacred nature understandable to non-specialists.. A stunning array of color plates and halftones will touch the imagination of insiders and outsiders alike revealing the imaginative skills of some of the movements most celebrated artists as well as amateurs working at home with family and friends.. These masks and altars earrings and necklaces create one of the Neo-Pagan movements most striking features--its ritual art. Yet this is one of the first books to focus on these spiritual objects rather than on the sociology and psychology of the followers. The odd array of costumes and jewelry as well as the juxtaposition of neo-primitive and medieval-looking styles troubles outsiders and contributes to the movements undeserved reputation for attracting eccentrics. Yet its sacred art is part of one of the most flourishing contemporary traditions in the United States.