Book
Arts & crafts of the Native American tribes / Michael Johnson & Bill Yenne. --
Record details
- ISBN: 1554079020
- ISBN: 9781554079025
- Physical Description: 256 p. : ill. (some col.), col. maps.
- Publisher: Richmond Hill, Ont. : Firefly Books, 2011.
Content descriptions
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references (p. 250-253) and index. |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition Note: | LSC 49.95 |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Indian art > North America. Indian arts > North America. Indians of North America > Material culture. |
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Branch | 704.0397 Joh | 31681002327492 | NONFIC | Available | - |
- Baker & Taylor
Describes historical Native American artifacts, especially clothing and moccasins, the ways they were made, and decorative techniques using natural materials that depended on geographical necessity and abundance. - Baker & Taylor
"Details how Native American culture evolved, the artifacts produced on the continent and the ways they were made, and the techniques of decoration and embellishment that utilized a variety of disparate natural commodities that depended on geographical necessity and abundance"--Jacket flap. - Book News
A general encyclopedia of historical Native American (US and Canada) craft arts, this book was written by Michael G. Johnson and Bill Yenne, authors experienced in collecting Native American objects. While it assembles a diverse archive of historical images of people across North America wearing or working in traditional crafts, the book focuses on photographs that give historical references, rather than showcasing the beauty and skill of fine craft. It is strongest on clothing, and provides some technical details, but is not designed as a technical reference for craft artists or costumers. Pictures of contemporary people making and wearing the types of work discussed are included, but the book's text does not consider contemporary Native American craft arts or artists. This is wholly a historical encyclopedia. It does a good job of covering the continent, and offers maps of a variety of tribal groups in each region. Given the size of the book, it can only touch on art forms larger tribal groups are most known for. The text is written for adult readers by popular writers using academic style. The focus here is on textile arts: clothing, basketry, beadwork, ceremonial costume, blankets. Often each person in a historical photograph is identified by name. The authors understand that people dress differently for the weather or the occasion, and that dress and craft traditions changed over time. Influential historical figures in the adoption or evolution of a craft tradition are also identified by name. Tribes are named in their own languages. The authors have chosen historical photographs to show how people dressed every day or for particular events, and actual objects they used and made, rather than how they were dressed or posed by commercial photographers. Oversize: 11.9x9.4" Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) - Firefly Books Ltd
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 - Firefly Books Ltd
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.
