Whenever I need to refresh my perspectives, I turn to anthropology.
I have recently delved into “Adornment” by philosopher D. Davies, which explores practices and history of body decoration – from beads to scarification, from make-up to clothing.
Here below my favourite quote from the book.
Not only does Davis consider decoration in equal terms to art, morality and religion, but the playful and creative act of beautification makes as making us a species of prettifiers.
It’s important to remember that it was not only the serious, important stuff-art, morality, and religion – that we made our own. Far more than any other, we are also a playful species with a sense of humour. For us, make-believe, fun and amusement are as much a part of adulthood as of infancy. What is more, we are the species that delights in putting flowers in its hair. We find the time to add beauty to ourselves, our things, and our world. As well as being priests, paragons, and poets, we are prettifiers.
Adornment, by S. Davies