A World of Head Ornaments: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America »

Anne van Cutsem is an art historian and author of the first 3 books in this series dedicated to rings, earrings, and bracelets.

This is the sixth and final volume published by Skira devoted to the objects of the Ghysels collection. Published in an oversize (9.75x11.25") format, the majority of the volume consists of full-page color photos of excellent quality depicting splendid works of ivory, silver, semi-precious stones, beads, wood and other materials. Captions for each object appear in the back of the book, which is cumbersome, and it's also disappointing no photos were included of the pieces being worn. Informative (but un-illustrated) essays on the use, traditions, and meanings of head ornaments precede each geographical section. Maps and a glossary are included. Distributed by Rizzoli. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR