Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes - Hardcover

Johnson, Michael G.; Yenne, Bill

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554079020 ISBN 13: 9781554079025

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2011

Synopsis

Praise for the companion title Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America by Michael Johnson:
"This substantial reference remains one of the most elaborately illustrated books on Native Americans now in print. . . . Highly recommended for North American historical and ethnographical collections."
-- Library Journal

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is an authoritative illustrated reference that has been carefully created to be a companion to Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America, not a competitive title. It examines in detail how Native American culture evolved and considers the regional similarities and differences of the arts and crafts created by tribes across the continent. Contemporary and modern photographs, fine line illustrations and step-by-step reconstructions (including a Plains Indian warrior dress with headdress, war bonnet, shirt and leggings) show the techniques of manufacture and display the skill and artistry of the crafters.

The book opens with concise coverage of the main cultural areas of North America and a survey of styles by region and over time. A major section on the living structures -- huts, tipis, igloos, etc. -- is followed by an analysis of individual crafts. These include:

• Baskets -- plaiting, twining, coiling
• Bone, antler and horn -- implements, tools, pins, fishhooks
• Decorative arts -- beadwork, porcupine quillwork
• Featherwork -- bonnets and headdresses
• Metalwork -- copper, silver, iron, gold
• Pottery
• Shellwork
• Skinwork -- rawhide, leather, furs
• Stonework -- arrowheads, pipes, art
• Textiles -- spinning, weaving
• Woodwork -- totems, figures, masks, utensils, working with bark.

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is destined to be a primary reference used by ethnographers, historians and collectors for years to come. It is essential for any library serving academic patrons.

About this title

About the Author

Michael G. Johnson has published a number of books, including Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America, the second edition of which won the Denali Press Award. He is a former associate editor of Pow-Wow Trails and American Indian Crafts and Culture, a contributing editor to Whispering Winds magazine and an advisor to Indian Artifact magazine.

Bill Yenne is the author of over three dozen books on historical topics, including The Encyclopedia of North American Indian Tribes and Sitting Bull, which was number 14 on Amazon's 100 Best Books of 2008. He has appeared on the National Geographic Channel and served as a consultant for the History Channel's Command Decision program covering the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Review

Unlike Euro American societies, Indian artists did not produce art for art's sake; it was inseparable from other material culture. As such, this isn't just an examination of arts and crafts of the United States and Canada. It's also a look into their way of life and their belief systems. In encyclopedic fashion, this title shows how Indian culture evolved with an emphasis on the artifacts produced -- everything from clothing, masks to jewelry. Decorations are of prime importance whether, it's beadwork or basketry that's the topic. The authors address not just what was made, but also how it came to be.... Text and illustrations are both abundant. (Antique Week 2012-05-28)

This highly visual publication will be a boon to ethnographers and artists interested in Native American traditions. (Publishers Weekly Web Exclusive 2011-11-14)

For collectors seeking to authenticate an item and everyone seeking expert information on Native American crafts, this will prove a valuable, up-to-date resource. (Deborah Donovan Booklist 2011-12-15)

Totem poles may be the best known artifacts of native creativity. As the spectacular displays presented here illustrate, however, they are only a small sample of the industry and ingenuity of peoples ranging from Tlingit to Cherokee. The book shows that native peoples have worked with a diversity of materials, from silver to porcupine quills, throughout their history. (Ron Kirbyson Winnipeg Free Press 2011-12-05)

What makes this work exceptional is the color photography, use of illustrations and diagrams, and maps.... One really gets the sense that this is a labor of love for the authors and that they did painstakingly thorough research while writing this book. This book is highly recommended for the Native American collections of academic and public libraries. (Shannon Graff Hysell American Reference Books Annual 2012)

This book is recommended for dealers who have tribal arts items in their inventory, for students of ethnography, for people interested in the history of Native handwork and the design/motif heritage, and for those who delight in collecting indigenous arts. It is a fine resource book. (Maine Antique Digest 2012-04-01)

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is a richly illustrated, detailed review of the material culture of North American Indians...This book takes a detailed and scholarly approach to material culture of Native North America. As such, it will be of interest to specialists such as ethnographers, museum staff, and collectors. (Margo Crabtree Science Books and Films 2012-03-01)

Readers will be impressed by the hundreds of black and white and color illustrations ranging from museum specimen photos (of widely varying quality) to early painted portraits, galleries of pottery and fabric design variations, maps, pictures of artisans at work, and labeled diagrams or exploded views of garments, housing, head gear and weapons. (John Peters, formerly New York Public Library School Library Journal 2012-02-01)

This authoritative illustrated reference has been created to be a companion to the Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America. It examines in detail how Native American culture evolved and considers the regional similarities in and differences between the arts and crafts created by tribes across the continent. Contemporary and modern photographs, fine line illustrations and step-by-step reconstructions (including a Plains Indian warrior dress with headdress, war bonnet, shirt and leggings) show manufacturing techniques as well as the skill and artistry of the makers. (American Indian Art Magazine 2012-09-01)

Wholly a historical encyclopedia. It does a good job of covering the continent [and] tribal groups in each region. (Book News 2012-12-01)

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1554079020
• ISBN 13: 9781554079025
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256