A World of Belts: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America

After A World of Rings, A World of Earrings, A World of Bracelets and A World of Necklaces Skira presents A World of Belts - the fifth book in the series devoted to ethnic jewellery and body ornamentation from the Ghysels collection. Over 40 years in the making this remarkable collection is made up of over 5000 extraordinary pieces each one selected carefully for its value, significance and innate beauty. This book documents - in stunning colour photographs - one of the premier collections of ethnic belts from around in the world. Featured in a magnificent array of over 200 pieces are belts, buckles, belt-related accessories such as amulet cases, perfume and medicine pouches, carved buttons used to clasp pouches to belts, pubic and buttocks covers known as "caches sexes", needle cases, decorated loincloths - and the range of materials used, symbolism, and craft techniques is truly astonishing. It is through wonderfully composed photographs, enhanced by text, that these objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania and America come to life here. Captions describing the provenance and use of each piece accompany the superb photographs.