by Deborah Chandler
Recently we put out a call for WARP authors to send in a list of their books to be included in an online library, or at least reference list, available on WARP’s webpage for the people who want to know more. So far only 15 authors have submitted information, but the range of subjects more than confirms what a good idea this is. Some of the books are bi-lingual, another plus.
In our membership survey people mentioned that they want to learn how to do some of the art forms done in the indigenous and other villages where WARP members work. At least seven of the books cover techniques, from natural dyeing to village-specific textile techniques.
WARP members include many anthropologists – degreed and simply with that mind-set – and books on culture and cloth and how they fit together abound, with at least ten titles in that category already.
Cultural Appropriation, Fair Trade, and other economic issues are the focus of four of the books, and I know there are many more that the authors have not told us about yet.
Many WARP members are makers themselves, and half a dozen of the books are about spinning, weaving, and other textile techniques for non-exotic (to the majority of our members) but always curious North Americans and Europeans.
All that, and it’s only a start. If you are an author member of WARP, even if you think I already know, please send your book list to me, Deborah Chandler, at . For each book I need author name, title, publisher, date, cost, where or how it can be purchased, and a short description of the book. WARP members want to know what each other are thinking, that’s what networking is, and sharing books is another way to do that. I look forward to hearing from you.
Here’s a sampling of the books on which we have received information so far:
Veiling in Africa
by Elisha Renne, ed.
The tradition of the veil, which refers to various cloth coverings of the head, face, and body, has been little studied in Africa, where Islam has been present for more than a thousand years. These essays raise questions about what is distinctive about veiling in Africa, what religious histories or practices are reflected in particular uses of the veil, and how styles of veils have changed in response to contemporary events.
Together, they explore the diversity of meanings and experiences with the veil, revealing it as both an object of Muslim piety and an expression of glamorous fashion. (Available from Indiana University Press website $28.00)
Cloth That Does Not Die: The Meaning of Cloth in Bunu Social Life
by Elisha Renne, ed.
The Bunu Yoruba people of central Nigeria mark every critical juncture in an individual’s life, from birthing ceremonies to funeral celebrations, with handwoven cloth. The author explains how and why this is so and discusses why handwoven cloth is still valued although it is rarely woven in Bunu villages today. (Available on Amazon $50.11)
The Field Guide to Fleece: 100 Sheep Breeds and How to Use Their Fibers
by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius
This is a pocket guide to one hundred sheep breeds and their fiber. It has animal pictures, fiber statistics, and photos of locks. ($14.95. Available through all normal book channels. https://www.storey.com/books/the-field-guide-to-fleece/)
Swept Under the Rug: A Hidden History of Navajo Weaving
by Kathy M’Closkey, Ph.D.
Utilizes copious information contained in the correspondence and business records of the Lorenzo Hubbell family, Ganado, AZ (~ 1860s-1960s). Lorenzo Hubbell Sr. is considered the czar of Navajo trade and the “father” of the Navajo rug. The book historicizes the economic contributions of thousands of weavers and woolgrowers, whose non-waged labor sustained Navajo lifeways in a culturally appropriate manner. University of New Mexico Press.
Creative Crafts of the World – 15 lesson plans for teaching folk arts to groups of children
by Marilyn Romatka
Creative Crafts of the World is a practical guide for teaching folk art to groups of children, young adults, adults, even to yourself! www.taprootfolkarts.com
Maya Hair Sashes Backstrap Woven in Jacaltenango, Guatemala / Cintas Mayas tejidas con el telar de cintura en Jacaltenango, Guatemala
by Carol Ventura
A bilingual book that features the Jakaltek backstrap loom, backstrap weaving, symbolism, and the beautiful hair sashes of the Jakaltek women from both anthropological and artistic perspectives. ($30 from https://www.carolventura.com/hairsashes.html#Book)