Historically (mind the pun?) I've had the darndest time finding books with Biblical era clothing, or even historical dress in general. I've noticed a lot of you guys doing Biblical comics and you all have clothes that "seem to be" from that era...
...so, where are you guys finding your references? Anyone have titles that I should be chasing down - and for any other era pre 1900 I'd be willing to have good reference resources too. Online, book, other.
To be really specific any of the following categories would be really appreciated:
- Any Chinese, or India style clothing
- Any Native American style clothing
- Biblical era circa Jesus time
- Biblical era's OT any time
- Any African Tribal outfits from any era, any tribe.
- Viking clothing
Any help would be appreciated. Maybe this list will also be beneficial to others too.
(The libraries where I'm at have terrible resources when it comes historical togs. I know this stuff is out there somewhere - I mean, look at the movies, where do they get all their reference material - or do they just make everything up?)
Replies
I think the same guy that does the Bible Artist blog spot, Graham Kennedy, also does the most helpful website I have found so far on this issue, which is bibleillustration.blogspot.com/
You might have already discovered this site, but I thought I would mention it just in case; it's a treasure trove of accurate biblical visuals, and other interesting stuff about biblical illustration.
Very cool.
I've done most of what you have suggested - so I see this isn't just a "me" issue. Good historical clothing reference is hard to come by.
Will have to make friends with someone in the movie biz who works in the costume dept - which just gave me a great idea...our National Arts Centre does period dramas, and they at times rent out the costumes...they may have a good idea of where to start.
Mulling.
Thanks again. Still willing to hear of specific existing titles.
Martin
...and also, there's the option of going to google images and doing a search there. sometimes you'll get some usable reference.
...and finally you can always go to the local half price bookstore and browse their history isle....never know what you'll come across there!
hope that helps
bob-
www.headpress.info
maybe try looking up books on ancient Babylon, Persia, and Egypt- which gets you a lot of Old Testament style.
They probably woudln't be based solely on clothes- but i bet it would be in there. i'd be suprised if a library didn't have at least one book on Mesopotamian history.
just some ideas...