Brazil Body & Soul - Brasil Corpo & Alma

From ancient times, along with their hair styles, fashion and design, the African tribes have been identified by a wide range of headwraps we often call turbans. On the African continent the color and the manner of tying of a turban might mean a particular tribe or ethnic group, or make a statement about the identity and status of the individual.

In some parts of the diaspora these traditions have been erased with time, yet in a few places in the world people of African lineage continue to keep them alive. The women of Brazil, in the vibrant daily street life, the cultural festivals, Carnaval and religious manifestations, are seen embellishing their unique beauty with headscarves, wraps and turbans of every description.

This work comes to prove, with loving attention to detail, the breathtaking variety and level of differentiation from one turban to another, which represent the true identity and values of the African groups and tribes they inherit.

Like the DNA of our ancestors, these unique ways of wrapping fabric to adorn the head preserve and keep alive today the memories and cultural values passed down to us.

Brazil in Bloom...

The women in their colorful headwraps bring the Brazilian landscape alive like a field of flowers in bloom. In this land of magic, all the colors of the rainbow have a meaning, representing the Orixás and all that they evoke, and also symbolizing all the people that weave together into a community and a nation. The tradition is, no matter what your faith, we all can get along. Here in Brazil, we are bringing the African ethnic groups, along with all those who lived here before and who came here after, together as one people. Imagine the energy!
Brazil Body & Soul - Brasil Corpo & Alma gives a unique look into Brazilian lifestyles, cultures and history. This is a must for anyone's cultural library, and for those whose curiosity and passions are aroused by the Brazilian land and people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eduardo C. Neto is a researcher, photographer and writer presenting an informed insider's view of his country and his people in this second volume of his photography. Neto's work is a raw and immediate glimpse deep into a culture little known and barely understood by the outside world. It takes an insider's knowledge and access, and readiness in the midst of the crowds and the action, to catch these impromptu moments whenever and wherever they happen.

ARTS OF BRAZIL

Brazil is known for its special spin on the art of living. Brazilian culture shines in this showcase of popular art and expression. The creative art of dressing and adornment takes the forefront here where fashion meets a rich heritage of tradition, magic and meaning.

PHOTOGRAPHY

By following the threads of culture to their deepest sources, Neto's photography preserves an exotic cultural legacy of the African diaspora and brings evocative moments in the Brazilian people's lifestyle to light.

DOCUMENTARY

This volume provides some rarely seen visual documentation of a tradition of tying turbans that reaches from ancient Africa to modern Brazil. It takes a deeper look at some aspects of the Brazilian cultural heritage touched on in the author's comprehensive previous book, From Brazil to Heaven. The author continues to provide in-depth and credible visual and written information about the Brazilian way of life in his books.