Select from the following:

1- Review by World Tribe | 2- Review by Shira | 3- Review by The Gilded Serpent
4- Review by Caravan Trails | 5- Review by Laura Giles

The following review was first published in the Sept/Oct '03 issue of Zaghareet:
www.zaghareet.freeservers.com

The Tribal Bible by Kajira Djoumahna
reviewed by World Tribe

    Sharina - When I first got my Tribal Bible in the mail, I ripped open the package and sat right down and looked through all of the pictures!  Then I looked through them again … then I had to go show several of them to my husband.  When I took the book to troupe rehearsal, while Bakhiit was looking through the pictures, I had to sit down with her and look at them all again!  Can you tell that there are HUNDREDS of great pictures in this book?
     And I'd like to say up front, that if you're thinking that this book is just a reprint of Kajira Djoumahna's original Tribal Bible ("What the Heck IS American Tribal Style Bellydance, Anyway?"), it is NOT.  The first Tribal Bible was a great resource, the most complete compilation of tribal facts at the time (1999), but it was only about 60 pages long.  Since that time, Kajira has had time to collect an incredible amount of information and this volume is 300 pages long!  So whether you're an American Tribal Style (ATS) dancer or whether you're just interested in learning more about ATS, this book is for you!
     The Introduction starts right in with some important definitions so we can distinguish ATS from other dance styles.  This is very important since "tribal" is a term that is often used for different dance styles that are not necessarily "tribal" by definition.  Chapter 1 (Genesis) traces the roots of ATS from its beginnings in the 1960's with Jamila Salimpour's troupe Bal Anat in San Francisco.  It should be noted that throughout the entire book, Kajira supplements her research with quotes and interviews from other dancers, and in this chapter we learn about Jamila Salimpour, Masha Archer and Carolena Nericcio.
     Chapter 2 (Aborescence - The Old School) follows other dancers who branched out from Bal Anat.  This chapter contains a wonderful interview with John Compton, that traces his path from Bal Anat to Hahbi 'Ru (and all of the steps in-between) and provides a lot of valuable insight into the California dance scene in the 1970's.  Chapter 3 (Aborescence - The New School) continues with the evolution of ATS with comments from students of Carolena Nericcio of FatChanceBellydance (Paulette Rees-Denis, Jill Parker, Luna, Stephanie Barto).  This chapter also discusses new tribal troupes that have developed all over the country as well as in other parts of the world.
     Chapter 4 (Costume and Adornment) is a truly incredible wealth of information from the pictures of the Berber tribes to the instructions on how to wrap a turban!  The cholis, the tassel belts, the tattoos and the jewelry … it's all here in one location with tons of ideas and illustrations!  What more could you ask for in a book about tribal dance?  Well, there's Chapter 5 (Movements and More) that discusses the whole concept of group improvisation and describes basic movements.  Kajira does a great job with her verbal descriptions and illustrations in breaking down these movements so that they're readily understandable. 
     And, of course, there's a discussion of Music (Chapter 6), the concept of "Gypsy" (Chapter 7), the subject of Imitation and Innovation in Chapter 8, and Dance & Ritual in Chapter 9.  Chapter 10 (More Voices) is exactly what the title implies … it's a collection of quotes from many tribal dancers talking about what this dance form means to them.  And with this chapter are tons more photos!!  Once again, there are WONDERFUL photos throughout the whole book that you'll want to look at again and again. [There are some incredible shots of Carolena Nericcio that Kajira told me were donated to this book from Carolena's own personal collection]
     If you're an ATS dancer, you will love this book because there is everything you ever wanted to know about tribal dance plus quotes and pictures of your favorite dancers.  This IS the Tribal Bible!
     Ramia:  OK I must admit up front that I almost peed my pants when Sharina said we were getting this book!  I love ATS!  I knew even before seeing it had to be good!  I waited and finally it came!  I was so excited I called Sharina and we were on the phone going "and did you see this photo…yes but what about that photo!"  Really the first thing you notice are the fabulous photos!
     All right on to the book review…(but the pictures really are great!)  The bible starts where any bible should start: the beginning.  It was great reading about how things got started and the stories from John Compton!  Then onto the next generation and how that evolved!  Next comes the costume and makeup, WOW, what a great source.  Again the photos really make this chapter!  Well you'd think that would be enough great stuff for one book but not this bible!  It continues to tell about the group improvisation and Gypsy's and the great quotes and on and on!  This book is great!  It's a MUST read if you are a ATS dancer and even if you are not just the background information on this style would help expand any dancer's knowledge of this art and isn't that what it's all about, keeping this beautiful dance alive!
    Bakhiit:  For a really in-depth view of American Tribal Style dancing, The Tribal Bible is the way to go!  Kajira Djoumahna has compiled a great deal of her own experiences, photos, and research into a full size soft cover book, just waiting to be enjoyed.  Being a tribal dancer myself, I know the first thing people focus on is the different costumes, so this was the chapter I felt compelled to tear into.  Not only does Kajira explain what each piece of the costume historically represents, but she also tells how to fit and design these pieces, to help you make your costume truly personal.  She goes into detail on makeup and jewelry and even gives us a peek into her personal collection with beautiful photographs.
    After you get all gussied up, go ahead and read the rest of the book, you will find that Kajira guides you through tribal steps, music, and a brief history of American Tribal Style Bellydance. She does this through personal accounts, interviews, and again gorgeous photographs. The book also includes Resources and recommended reading to further your tribal knowledge. You really can’t go wrong with this read! Have fun and dance on.

It is with great pleasure and gratitude to Paulette and Michelle that I republish portions of the following review. It was originally published in Caravan Trails, the newsletter of Caravan Studios in Portland, OR, in the Summer 2003 issue. Paulette Rees-Denis, owner and publisher, can be contacted via:

Paulette Rees-Denis/ Director-the Gypsy Caravan
Caravan Studio/ 4050 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503-287-1794
paulette@gypsycaravan.us
www.gypsycaravan.us
Vision Quest: Kajira Djoumahna's Tribal Bible:
Michelle Ritchie

........ "The entire book is a visual delight of high quality photos in both color as well as black and white.Photos of troupes, costumes, jewelry, and musical instruments are depicted along with peeks into the mystery of ritual and the outward spiral of performance. These photos alone will draw you into a journey of their own. As for the contextual journey, the book has ten full chapters!
Although the author is Kajira, the reader hears, like rainfall, the multitude of voices all
around her, guiding her to the story in each chapter. It is there in the costumes and zills! It is there in the make-up and in all of the movements! Kajira weaves a story and quenches our thirst...             Read how the dance has evolved from soloist to troupe to style, yet how each transition maintained the integrity of ATS that Kajira stresses as being improvisational in nature and interacting with other dancers in a group. Each voice adds another layer to this rich tapestry of ATS belly dance...
The one chapter that Kajira gives the most coverage to is "Costumes and Adornment"-- naturally. Sixty-two fantastic pages! Kajira takes us on a journey in discovering the historical and cultural roots of fabric and jewelry... The next section looks at headdresses with instruction on how to wrap a turban. The author has also included a basic tribal headdress pattern, ideas on how to make the perfect choli and she shows us how to make a base for a tassel belt. This chapter is filled with ideas on how to create, flourish, and wear your costume... She wraps up the chapter with an exploration into make-up, tattoos and henna.
One of my favorite chapters is "Dance and Ritual." Kajira leaves nothing out as she explores this world that intoxicates us with its senses... Our senses are truly awakened as the author walks us through sounds of the dancers' bells and jingles that keep away any evil force. Inhale the anointing oils and incense that evoke the divine spirit... Find your mentor and muse. Anoint yourselves, dancers!
Without sounding trite, this book is more like a vision quest, somewhat like the dance itself. You start reading from the beginning and let it lead you to the end, and well, you are not the same. You are enlightened and inspired. And if you haven't met your muse yet, you will by the time you finish reading this book! Not only will you meet your muse but you will also meet your authentic self as page after page confirms what it means for us to dance this American Style Belly Dance... In true Kajira spirit, she boldly steps out and embraces us all to the dance...
Kajira has also included a very helpful bibliography and resource directory complete with Web sites, addresses and phone numbers. The research that she has done is thorough, comprehensive and above all, commendable. It speaks to teachers and students alike. For that matter, anyone who is interested in dance would find this book interesting. The language flows as if the author is talking directly to you. It is informal yet never undermines. Kajira has truly given the dancing community a gift of knowledge and insight into this American Tribal Style of belly dancing..."

It is with sincere thanks to the author, Laura Giles, that I reprint this review in entirety. It first appeared in The Crescent Magazine, Summer 2003.

Book Title: Tribal Bible
Author: Kajira Djoumahna
ISBN 0-9728486-0-6
301 pages
Copyright 2003
Price $40
Reviewed by Laura Giles (lauragilesp@yahoo.com)

    "Webster's dictionary defines "bible"as "any book regarded as authoritative or official." Thus,
The Tribal Bible is aptly named. It contains everything that an enthusiast of American Tribal (ATS) style belly dance would ever want.
    It appropriately starts at the beginning, telling the story of how this new and unique dance
evolved. Personal accounts from people who were there make this an interesting read. You can feel the tension and excitement from both the dance and the dancers. It has all the expected drama of the birth of a new phenomenon.
    Djoumahna progresses by exploring the influences that continue its evolution today. She acknowledges the closely associated styles that resemble ATS and respects their position in the dance world, while pointing out their differences. She covers the globe in search of ATS hot spots and contributors to the ongoing creation. It's a fascinating blend of east and west, traditional and modern.
    The book goes on to visit costuming, movements, music and more. Peppered throughout the book are practitioners' comments on why they dance, how it has enriched their lives, and their thoughts on a wide variety of dance related subjects. Through these comments, Djoumahna paints a spiritually uplifting picture of womanhood and sisterhood that personifies the whole tribal spirit.  While non-dancers may not connect to many explanations of movement or music, this quality expands the audience from dancers to all women interested in connecting with the divinefeminine and releasing the goddess within.
    The reader will appreciate the abundance of photographs. There are pages of women from all over the world in various costumes and from different places in time. Tattoos, jewelry, make-up, movement, and the beauty of the dancers could not be adequately described without these photos. The photographs alone are worth the price of the book.
    Djoumahna's conversational tone makes The Tribal Bible an easy and entertaining read. I applaud the liberal crediting of her sources. It is particularly important in the creation of an
authoritative reference book such as this; however, the way in which
credit is written sometimes interrupts the flow of the book. I would have preferred footnotes where possible. With all the book has to offer, this is a small thing worth overlooking.
    I highly recommend this book to Middle Eastern dancers, dancers of other forms, women
interested in exploring their inner goddess, collectors of Orientale art, and the curious. The
Tribal Bible is a book you will return to again and again for inspiration and wonder."