(LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012) Nyambura, Ruth; Nyamache, Tom; Tarus, Isaac
Self-ornament and decorations play a significant role in ensuring the continuity of the political,
socio-cultural and ethno-moral principles of a community. Adornment is considered one of the
fundamental human needs. This volume is a historical perspective of cultural changes such as
hairstyles, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, beads use, lingerie and colour symbolism use in Africa
and globally. Culture has grown through a combination of the processes of invention and
diffusion. We are the only species who deliberately alters our appearance and surroundings.
Customizing of our bodies goes far beyond the clothing which we wear as a second skin.
