Throughout their history humans have altered their appearance by wearing clothing and adornments, by trimming or shaving hair or by means of body modifications.

Ž When asked what he did with the Medal of Conduct he'd won for his heroism, Captain Shiao replied, "It's against regulations, sir, to wear such adornments on duty, or to wear them at any time on a garment other than a Constabulary uniform.

After bargaining with several women hawking their wares in the courtyard of the Jokhang Temple, I finally relieved a bewildered, toothless crone of two of her own treasured possessions: enormous brass earrings set with turquoise, suitable for someone with dinner-plate-size earlobes who is oblivious to the pain of wearing two-pound adornments.

To strengthen the Aztec nobility, he helped create and enforce sumptuary laws, prohibiting commoners from wearing certain adornments such as lip plugs, gold armbands, and cotton cloaks.

According to some sources, Muslim men should not wear gold jewellery, silk clothing, or adornments that are considered feminine.

Ms. Fisher added, "Ceremonies are the peak moments in the life of Africa, where you actually see everybody wearing the most incredible paraphernalia and adornments, and you understand their emotions and feelings."

At other times she wore drag, or mixed Mexican adornments - flowers, jewellery, braided hair - with fashionable western dress.

"Their bodies painted in different ways, and they wore various adornments, which were not used every day."

At a recent Sunday service at the temple, its majestic white halls were filled with women wearing gossamer saris in jewel colors, along with carnelian bindis - small adornments on their foreheads indicating that they are married and thus qualified to suggest potential matches for single members.

A frequent subject is children at play, semi-posed shots in which they wear masks or other facial adornments, as in "Renaissance Mouse."