Discover 'Seeing Race Before Race,' a groundbreaking volume that delves into the complex interplay of racial thinking and visual culture in the pre-modern world. With an ISBN of 9780866988414, this brand new release from The University of Chicago Press (2023) offers an in-depth exploration of the 'racial matrix' as articulated by co-editor Noémie Ndiaye. This collection examines an extensive array of visual artifacts, including illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance costume books, maps produced by Europeans and Indigenous peoples, religious iconography, and more. Each contributor synthesizes historical and contemporary perspectives to illuminate how racial formations informed artistic expressions and cultural narratives across vast geographies and timelines. From ceremonial objects to festival books, this visual archive, featured in the Fall 2023 exhibition, provides crucial insights for scholars in premodern race studies, art history, performance studies, book history, and critical race theory. Engage with the past and understand its relevance in today's discussions on race and visual culture. Perfect for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the foundational elements of racial dynamics in art. Join the conversation surrounding race and culture by exploring this essential text and its multifaceted analyses.