Book review of this title about the dress of one of India’s most mysterious wandering tribes.
Textiles of the Banjara Cloth and Culture of a Wandering Tribe By Charlotte Kwon, Tim McLaughlin, Rosemary Crill (Thames and Hudson, $51.19)
Clothing has value as a mark of cultural identity and living tradition. Crimson cloth decorated with cowrie shells, patterns, mirrors and needlework is the emblem of the Banjara, a nomadic Indian tribe. Set against the larger history of India, with accounts from the British Raj, the story of the Banjara is expressed with understanding in this wide ranging work. Exploring with anthropological accuracy the Banjara’s mode of dress, details of their stitches and customs, the authors reveal insider details of this fascinating tribe.
This original book review first appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
