Jagua, A Journey Into Body Art from the Amazon

In search of the jagua fruit, author Carine Fabius takes readers on a journey into the deepest realms of the Amazon jungle, where a prized tattoo ink weaves magical tales into the heart and culture of the region's indigenous people. Written in a breezy, engaging style, the book includes:- 40 pages of gorgeous color photographs, including contributions by noted documentary photographer and travel writer Cristina Mittermeier- Over 25 black & white photographs and illustrations- The author's personal account of her and her artist/explorer husband's journey into the world of temporary body art, beginning with henna and culminating with the discovery of the jagua fruit's promise to deliver a beautiful tattoo that looks real - yet fades after two weeks- Excerpts from her husband Pascal Giacomini's diary as he travels on a motorized dugout canoe into the deepest reaches of the jungle, where he spends weeks with an indigenous group called the Matsés- Brief histories of various indigenous groups associated with jagua- Personal and insightful essays by veteran explorers and lovers of the Amazon- Information on the medicinal and mystical properties of the jagua fruit- Magical tales and beliefs surrounding this extraordinary fruit- A short history of tattoos- A short history of ink- Frequently asked questions (and answers, of course!) about jagua tattoos- Overview of the Amazon, the Indians that populate the area, and issues that currently dominate throughout the region- Traditional tales from the Amazon