Title
Hair : Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures,Used
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An interdisciplinary exploration of the meanings of hair in Asia from classical times to contemporary contexts.Hairwhether present or absent, restored or removed, abundant or scarce, long or short, bound or unbound, colored or naturalmarks a person as clearly as speech, clothing, and smell. It defines a person's gender, sexual availability and desirability, age, social status, and even political stance. It may also act as a basis for discrimination in treatment by others. While hair's high salience as both sign and symbol extends crossculturally through time, its denotations are far from universal. Hair is an interdisciplinary look at the meanings of hair, hairiness, and hairlessness in Asian cultures, from classical to contemporary contexts.The contributors draw on a variety of literary, archaeological, religious, and ethnographic evidence. They examine scientific, medical, political, and popular cultural discourses. Topics covered include monastic communities and communities of fashion, hair codes and social conventions of rank, attitudes of enforcement and rebellion, and positions of privilege and destitution. Different interpretations include hair as a key aspect of female beauty, of virility, as obscene, as impure, and linked with other symbolic markers in bodily, social, political, and cosmological constructs."The topic of hair is significant, because it is a universally accessible point of entry into entire cultural systems. It is a wonderful way to get readers to think about themselves participating in a cultural system by merely turning disciplined attention to the everyday matter of what they do with their own hair. I like the book's rich and concrete detail regarding views of hair in various Asian cultures, and the differing attempts by the authors to understand those views. The authors provide a great deal of insight and unexpected ramifications in their chapters and their bibliographies are superb resources." D. Dennis Hudson, Smith College
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred fourteen pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of hair in various Asian cultures.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for readers.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are six inches in length, zero point seventy-nine inches in width, and nine inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: How do I use this book for research? A: You can use this book as a reference for understanding cultural significance. It covers various aspects of hair throughout Asian cultures.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It includes interdisciplinary insights and references to various literary and ethnographic evidence.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: This book is suitable for adults and older teens. It discusses complex cultural themes related to hair in Asian societies.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To care for this book, keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition.
- Q: Can I clean the pages of this book? A: No, you should not clean the pages of this book. Instead, handle it carefully to avoid damage.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store this book upright on a shelf. This prevents bending and keeps it in good condition.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for exploring cultural themes? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for exploring cultural themes. It provides rich insights into the symbolism of hair in Asian cultures.
- Q: How does this book compare to others in its genre? A: This book stands out due to its interdisciplinary approach. It examines hair through literary, archaeological, and sociological lenses.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Alf Hiltebeitel. He is known for his research in cultural studies.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique because it integrates various perspectives on hair across different Asian cultures. It examines both historical and contemporary contexts.
- Q: What topics does this book cover? A: This book covers topics such as hair codes, monastic communities, and social conventions. It discusses how hair relates to identity and social status.
- Q: What is the main focus of this book? A: The main focus of this book is the cultural meanings of hair in Asia. It explores how hair influences perceptions of beauty, gender, and status.