Tribe: Endangered Peoples Around the World

A celebration of 200 of the world's indigenous peoples.

In words and beautiful photographs, Tribe explores the cultures, beliefs and societal patterns of human identity and belonging. Author Piers Gibbon describes some of the last existing tribal communities and shows them as intimate groups that are part of the wider world. We see their homes, celebrations and all that makes each tribe a unique thread in the fabric of humanity.

This comprehensive book details: Life stages from birth to death

Learning, histories and how tribes interpret the world around them

Belief systems

Medicine, shamanism, prayer

Survival skills

Coming of age ceremonies

Dress and adornment

Sex, gender and relationships

Money, trade and wealth

Law and order

Leisure, sport, music and art

Outside contact now and in the past

Tribal futures

The book also corrects the notion that an aboriginal tribe is invariably cut off from the rest of the world. The author's personal interviews with the world's leading anthropologists explore the future of these tribes and examine what unmet need fuels our endless fascination with tribal societies.

Tribe is an inspiring, eye-opening and sometimes poignant exploration of some of the least known and most endangered peoples of the world.

Gibbon is a Britain-based explorer who has been involved with numerous documentaries (including a recent one on headshrinking traditions of the Shuar people of Ecuador) and TV series (a six-part series on historical food) and also lectures on his experiences. This book offers a beautifully illustrated, accessible treatment of tribal people around the world. The material is organized thematically and covers food and drink, dress and adornment, shelter, courtship and marriage, music and dance (and leisure), social structures (and war and peace), beliefs and rituals, and the future. The text is substantial and respectful and is well balanced with the lavish visuals. The list of resources and further reading is selective and thematically organized, making it useful as a starting point for general readers and students. The format is 9.5x12". Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A celebration of 200 of the world's indigenous peoples.