[Introduction] [How to Borrow] [Books] [Periodicals] [Binders]

Book Review by Ralph Griswold Living with Decorative Textiles:    Tribal Arts from Africa, Asia, and the Americas
	Text by Nicholas Barnard Photographs by James Merrell Thames and Hudson, Ltd., London, 1989 ISBN 0-5-000-27821-0 192 pages; 267 illustrations, 190 in color and five maps.

At first glance, this book appears to be a coffee-table book about interior decoration and that's the way it typically is shelved in bookstores. In a sense, that's what the book is about, but there's much more to it. The subtitle, which appears unobtrusively on the cover, gives a hint of what the book contains beyond the many striking color photographs of textiles used for interior decoration. The book starts with a survey of the history of woven fabrics. There are sections on North, Central, and South America Ancient Egypt North and West Africa Asia Minor Central Asia The Indian subcontinent Indonesia China and Japan are excluded because of the restriction to "tribal art". (The book contains some material that doesn't classify as tribal art but serves as a bridge to the main topic.) Chapter 2 deals briefly with utility, decoration, and symbolism in fabrics, while Chapter 3 discusses raw materials fibers and dyestuffs as well weaving techniques. The following chapter covers decorative hangings, including durability, lighting, and hanging methods. Chapter 5, entitled Unusually Decorative, focuses on the decorative aspects of textiles in the context of homes. Chapter 6 is on floor coverings, including durability and use. The book concludes with a brief chapter with a listing of relevant books, magazines, museums and galleries, auction houses, dealers, and importers. There is a brief glossary and an adequate index. The many splendid photographs are interspersed with the textual material. For many readers, these will be the most enjoyable part of the book. They range from photographs of artifacts to examples of tribal textiles to the use of decorative textiles in the home and office. Many of the settings are lavish and the kind most of us see only in books and magazines.

[Complex Weavers Home Page] [Site Map]  [Representatives]  [Membership Services]  [Membership Form]  [CW Journal]  [Lending Library]  [Regional Events]  [Awards]  [Study Groups]  [Announcements]  [Galleries]  [Advertiser's Links]  [Member's Links]  [Market Place]  [ Seminar ]

All activities and functions of the organization are carried out by volunteers who are members like you! Any problems with the site should be reported to Josephine Earl If you wish to contribute to this web page contact: Web Chair, Josephine Earl or one of the area representatives listed here BR> Update: Saturday, September 11, 2004 .