The Spark in the Stone: Skills and Projects from the Native American Tradition (Ziggurat Series for Talented Beginners)

Introduces the highly successful wilderness technology possessed by Indians of North America in the millenia before white settlement, and includes projects for making simple tools, weaving, and crafting moccasins and willow baskets

Grade 7 Up-- Although the author asserts in his introduction that knowledge of these skills ``might one day save your life,'' most of these projects are of more relevance to hobbyists. After a section praising the skills of the generic ``Indian,'' Goodchild presents informative chapters about tools, fires, food and medicine, shelter, clothing, baskets and pottery, and bows and arrows. Although illustrated throughout by line drawings along the margins, the pictures do little to clarify the often very detailed and complex instructions. The author describes how to build several different kinds of shelters, but the instructions for erecting a tipi are quite elaborate. They also involve sewing the canvas covering on a sewing machine--hardly something that could be put to use in the wilderness. We're not talking about a toy here. This is a real house, involving 14-foot poles and 24 yards of canvas. Goodchild's prose is often directed at readers as if he were chatting with them, a device that creates an air of intimacy between teacher and student. Most of the projects will require adult assistance. There is no bibliography or index. --Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.