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Article: Psychiatrist unmasks glory of African art
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- October 30, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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You might say that Dr. E. Eliot Benezra has a subspecialty in
masks. In his consulting room, the Chicago psychiatrist helps his
patients find out what's behind their masks. In the African room of
his suburban home, Benezra studies the origins of his own burgeoning
collection of African tribal masks and sculptures.
The insights he gains from each discipline help him understand
the other one. Modern man is not as different from members of those
African tribes as one might think.
"I have always been interested in the history of mankind, with
its vanishing art and cultures," Benezra said. "So 10 years ago I
went to Africa with a group of physicians from my medical society. I
was eager to ...