Hume offers this analysis of religious dress, divided into three sections on Western monotheism, Eastern religion, and mystic/magical traditions. Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church are
discussed with a focus on the way that dress reinforces its strong patriarchy, the differences between the dress of powerful males and the dress of women and monks, and the interaction with
indigenous dress in missions. This is then contrasted with the no-frills approach of several Protestant breakaway groups. Judaism and Islam are covered with a focus on modesty and its
interpretation over time. Discussing Eastern religions, the sensory effect of colorful and silky saris is highlighted, as well as the symbolism of cleanliness, purity, and commitment conveyed
by garments of Sikhs and Buddhist monks. Finally, in the section on mysticism and magic, the role of dress is explored as it relates to processes of accessing altered consciousness through
trance, shamanism, or possession. References are also made to the similar functions of more intimate forms of body modification, from temporary henna to tattooing and scarification. Annotation
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