One of my favorite books for reference and inspiration remains the two-volume visual feast entitled African Ceremonies. But it is huge and expensive. Faces of Africa is smaller one-volume digest version by the same two photographers delivers much of the impact in a more affordable package.
You get a gallery of images of nearly extinct tribal dress, customs and celebrations in Africa. These ways are exceedingly distant from us now (and from most Africans!), and gain their power from this widening difference. All in color and immediate, this book is a great bargain if you’re looking for something way outside our box.
See sample pages from this book at Wink.