From Library Journal
A splendid and almost unimaginably exotic array of body decorations found throughout indigenous cultures from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to North, Central, and South America are featured here in 120 black-and-white and color illustrations. Preliminary text describes the various markings piercing, tattooing, scarification, and painting, along with characteristic clothing and jewelry that typify the peoples who have fascinated the West since ancient times. Lavish Moroccan adornments, intricate Maori tattoos, lip plugs, and face and body scar patterns of Africa; elaborate jewels and saris of India; and luxurious Japanese kimonos are only some of the featured items shown in situ in modern and archival photographs. Intriguingly and subtly interspaced are nine photos of fashion adaptations by designers from Fortuny to Jean-Paul Gaultier. Art historian and archaeologist Geoffroy-Schneiter has created a colorful coffee-table book that is also instructive and revealing, a graphic reminder that the current vogue for piercing and tattooing is nothing new. This book is also an excellent resource for reference questions about body modifications and dress of cultures throughout the world. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries. Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
