Celebrating African costumes and textiles, this volume draws on historical and modern pieces from the Zaira and Marcel Mis Collection. Presents a variety of costumes, textiles, and accessories used for everyday wear and for special celebrations, and explores the different techniques, influences, and meanings behind these works of art. Essays describe the history of the development of these techniques and the richness of the symbolism in this form of cultural heritage. 320pp, ITALY. FIVE CONTINENTS EDITIONS.

Using modern dyeing, quilting and embroidery techniques the author illustrates how to create textiles inspired by the forms and colours of African design. Sleigh covers the use of original source material, the design process and techniques including starch paste resist, block printing, beading and strip patchwork. The author also shows how to use sketchbooks to record ideas and how to take inspiration from patterns, textures and tones found in African landscapes. Index, gloss, 128pp, UK. BATSFORD, 0713489219

2004 Hardback

A comprehensive survey the textiles of Africa. Organised by region, the author describes the history of cloth use and techniques such as wax resist, tie and dye, starch resist. The usage of materials such as bark, silk cotton and raffia is also discusses as is the symbolism of textiles and the influence of non indigenous religions and cultures. Illustrated with 572 colour photographs and includes a guide to further reading. Index, map, gloss, 240pp, UK. THAMES & HUDSON.

A collection of cross stich designs with lions as the main theme. Includes a thread conversion chart and stitching advice. 16pp, UK. DAVID & CHARLES.

A collection of cross stitch designs with safari animals as the main theme. Includes thread conversion chart and stitching advice. 16pp, UK. DAVID & CHARLES.

A comprehensive survey of textile art and production, from prehistory to the present day, ranging from the Far East to the Americas and from Africa to Scandinavia. Index, gloss, 320pp, UK. BRITISH MUSEUM PRESS.

The core of the book is devoted to the specific characteristics of region, tribe and kilim type. Four major sections using much original research document kilims from the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; the enormously important kilims of Anatolia; the riches of Persia and the Caucasus; and the creations of the Afghan and Central Asian nomads. Comprehensive survey of the field and hundreds of illustrations. Index, bib, gloss, 352pp, UK. THAMES & HUDSON.

A showcase of the variety of textiles produced in Africa. Written by an expert in the field. Illustrated with colour photographs and includes recommendations for further reading. Index, 87pp, UK. BRITISH MUSEUM PRESS.

Focusing on over 30 pieces from the British Museum's collection, this volume brings together for the first time silk weaving and embroidery from throughout the continent. Illustrated with colour images. Index, gloss, 87pp, UK. BRITISH MUSEUM PRESS.

A history of the development of textile manufacture across the world. The author discusses the ingenuity and complexity of prehistoric artefacts to the advances in modern 'techno textiles'. Using a wide variety of illustrations, she explains their differing uses and meanings across cultures and their importance in politics and systems of exchange. Index, bib, gloss, 224pp, UK. THAMES & HUDSON.

Now in paperback. Illustrates the whole range of traditional handmade textiles from all corners of the globe. Eight sections cover every aspect of materials and techniques, offering succinct summaries of characteristics and geographical distribution. The text is accompanied by colour illustrations and drawings. Index, gloss, 240pp, UK. THAMES & HUDSON.

A landmark study of Kente cloth, its historical and current cultural significance in Ghana and its value to African American concepts of identity. Using a wide variety of colour and b/w illustrations, the author looks at the contexts which define the importance of the cloth and the significance of their names. Includes a catalogue of Asante and Ewe weavings. Notes, gloss, 347pp, USA. WASHINGTON U P.