Description: From African-American women's headwraps to beauty pageants in Swaziland, this absorbing book explores ethnicity through the frequently noticed but less often analyzed human phenomenon of dress. The authors -- ethnographers, folklorists, and textile scholars -- present case studies from around the world to illustrate their different theoretical frameworks and assumptions. In considering how the body is modified and supplemented they discuss not only garments and accessories but also hairstyles and cosmetics.
Brief description: Joanne B. Eicher was Regents Professor Emerita at the University of Minnesota. Joanne was Editor-in-Chief, Encyclopedia of Dress and Fashion (Bloomsbury and OUP); Series Editor, Dress, Body, Culture (Bloomsbury) and Dress and Fashion Research (Bloomsbury); Editor, Global Trade and Cultural Authentication: The Kalabari of the Niger Delta; and Co-Author, The Visible Self (Fairchild); Dress and Gender (Berg); Dress and Ethnicity (Berg); Beads and Beadmakers (Berg); Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride (National Geographic); and a wide variety of published articles in professional journals and chapters in books.
Review Quotes:
"This collection provides several rich case studies that address the neglected topic of the expression of ethnic identity through dress....Once again, Eicher has shown that dress is an insightful way to document, engage, and compare a range of complex issues." --American Ethnologist
"Highly recommended for those with a serious interest in ethnic dress." --Quarterly Review of Costume, Clothing and Ethnic Textile Books "We are (...) presented with a wealth of ethnography... a very attractively presented volume." --Ethnos "Rich, fascinating, and long overdue." --Costume Society Newsletter "Dress is an aspect of ethnicity that has not been noted as frequently as foodlore, songs, instruments and tale telling. This volume fills that shortcoming in a very readable style." --Come-All-Ye