This book is of great interest because it is a pioneering work in the field of feather art produced by indigenous Brazilian people. It includes extensive documentation that provides descriptions of the techniques involved in this art form. The authors note that the Urubú-Kaapor are involved in their featherwork from the moment they are born, following them throughout various cycles of their lives. Unlike other Brazilian ethnic groups, the entire Urubú-Kaapor community participates in producing these works of art, regardless of sex or age. There is, however, an aspect of the art that reflects the existence of social classes. The most acclaimed feather artists are usually chiefs, and they usually wear the most elaborate ornamentation. The brightly colored watercolor paintings by Georgette Dumas illustrate the following objects decorated with Urubú-Kaapor featherwork: diadems, charm necklaces, whistles, bracelets, women’s dress decorations, sashes, headdresses, earrings, feathered combs, decorative stones to be worn in the lower lip, hammocks, and belts.
[As complementary reading, see the following articles in the ICAA digital archive: by Darcy Ribeiro, “A América Latina existe?” (doc. no. 807738); “América Latina Nação” (doc. no. 807699); “Arte índia” (doc. no. 1110737); “Capítulo Arte: a vontade da beleza” (doc. no. 1110735); Introducción: la cultura (doc. no. 807756); and “A transfiguração cultural” (doc. no. 785492)].
