Review by Booklist Review
Two extraordinary and intimate studies of traditional cultures. Phil Birnbaum's portraits of the people of Papua New Guinea cel~ebrate the inventiveness, expressiveness, and beauty of self-decoration. Focusing on the tribes of three main geographic areas: the coastal region, the highlands, and the region surrounding the Sepik River, Birnbaum explores the magnificent variety of visual forms employed in attire, masks, jewelry, and body paint. While the costumes and dances associated with them have magical and spiritual aspects, the "predominant motivation" for elaborate adornment is "the dancers' desire for color, movement, dazzle, grace, and sensual appeal," as well as, when required, a flair for the grotesque and bizarre. Some 153 color photographs, each with a descriptive caption, record the energy and drama of the splendid and varied tribal costumes of Papua New Guinea and illuminate the traditions associated with them. An Englishman, Nigel Pavitt has lived in Kenya for decades. While his earlier book, Kenya: The First Explorers [BKL N 1 89], focused on outsiders, his newest is a tribute to the Samburu tribe. Seminomadic herders, the Samburu live in the glorious and diverse landscape of northern Kenya. Pavitt's text and 200 color photographs describe Samburu culture in detail, explaining family relationships, the role of the sexes, and their close affinity with their cattle. Pavitt pays particular attention to the Samburu's ceremonies of initiation and the steps to adulthood and marriage. The dress and habits of the warriors, or moran, "privileged and pampered members of society," are depicted in detail. Pavitt has documented a proud, enduring culture at the crossroads of change while tradition still prevails. ~--Donna Seaman
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
