Description

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"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." --American Reference Books Annual 2012

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is the authoritative illustrated reference that has been carefully created to be a companion to Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America. 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 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 will continue 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 the Author

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Michael G. Johnson was a scholar of Native American studies. He researched the history and culture of diverse indigenous cultures of North America for more than 50 years during which he visited more than 30 Indian communities and reservations. Johnson was associate editor of American Indian Crafts and Culture magazine, a contributing writer to Whispering Wind magazine, and the author of more than 15 books still in print. Bill Yenne is the author of over three dozen books on historical topics, including The Encyclopedia of North American Indian Tribes and Sitting Bull. 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. He lives in San Francisco.