THE GODDESS AND THE MOON MAN. The Sacred Art of the Tiwi Aborigines.
Edition: First printing.
NSW, Australia: Craftsman House, (1995) dj. Hardcover first edition - A beautiful book which describes and illustrates aspects of the Tiwi culture that had virtually disappeared at the time of publication, by a controversial author who was known as an indigenous rights advocate/activist. "The story of how man became mortal unfolds in the beautiful and dramatic story of the Tiwi Pukamani ceremony. It is illustrated with the magnificent sculptures, grave posts and bark paintings that in the absence of a written language preserved and perpetuated the ancient customs and religion of the Tiwi people of Melville Island." The author was an anthropological researcher whose concern for the plight of tribal people has guided her life - she traveled for years in the outback of Western Australia, recording messages between scattered families whose children had been taken from them so they could be "assimilated" and as a documentary filmmaker attempted to enable their voices to be heard. Illustrated throughout with both full color and black and white photographs. Glossary, index. Large square format, 152 pp. ISBN: 9-766410232.
Condition: Fine in brown cloth in a fine dust jacket.