Book Description
The works of contemporary Native artists from the Northwest Coast and desert Southwest regions of North America are enormously popular today, especially in the realm of jewelry. This handsome book-and the traveling exhibition it accompanies-explores how the cultures from each region continue to communicate beliefs and traditions through visual adornment, and examines the cross-cultural influences between the peoples of these very different areas.
The core of the book consists of personal statements by 39 artists, who discuss their lives, their beliefs, and their approach to art- and jewelry-making. Lavish illustrations, both historical images and new photographs by noted photographer Togashi, bring the subject to life, while supporting texts by general editor Kari Chalker, curators Lois Sherr Dubin and Peter M. Whiteley, Haida artist Jim Hart, and anthropologist Martine Reid provide background and insight. Totems to Turquoise will be an important resource for students, scholars, and designers, as well as anyone who loves beautiful and well-made objects. AUTHOR BIO: Kari Chalker is an anthropological writer, researcher, and editor. She was formerly assistant director of cultural explorations at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado. Lois Sherr Dubin is a noted authority on beads and jewelry and the author of Abrams' History of Beads and North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment. Peter M. Whiteley is curator of North American ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Dubin and Whiteley are the curators of "Totems to Turquoise."
Customer Reviews:
A truly well-rounded treasury.......2005-02-08
Totems To Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts Of The Northwest And Southwest is a lavish artbook filled cover-to-cover with full-color photographs not only of beautiful Native American jewelry, but also portraits of the individual artists crafters who create it. Brief descriptions of each piece and broader essays enlighten the reader as to how and why these visually stunning articles were created, and the symbolism underlying their design. Many pieces feature short commentaries by the creators themselves. A truly well-rounded treasury and a welcome addition to contemporary Native American art shelves.
Average customer rating:
- SURPRISED WITH NUMBER OF PAGES
- North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment
- One quibble/caution
- A must-have!
- superb, magnificent
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North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment
Lois Sherr Dubin
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
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ASIN: 0810936895 |
Customer Reviews:
SURPRISED WITH NUMBER OF PAGES.......2005-10-26
My brother-in-law has the exact same title book,his book has over 600 pages! I ordered the book thinking that I would get a similar copy at a great price. I did not realize that I was purchasing an condensed version. The information in the book, although somewhat sparse is good. Thank you.
North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment.......2005-10-04
A few years back I signed up for a class in silversmithing which soon became addictive. In addition to that interest, I have always been interested in primitive art such as that of the American Indians, the cave drawings, Australian Aboriginal art or spiritual drawings. These forms of spirituality and art or of art are very powerful. I have chosen to concentrate my silversmithing designs toward the designs I see from these primitive peoples. The book, North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment has proven to be very helpful toward that aim. In addition to that, it's just plain good reading.
One quibble/caution.......2004-05-24
This gorgeous book is indeed indispensable, especially if "read" visually. Unfortunately, quite a few of the tribal attributions for historic objects (information given to the author by museums) are wrong. Given the scope of this project, Dubin had little choice but to take often out-dated info at face value rather than do her own research. However, readers should keep this caveat in mind when using this work as a reference.
A must-have!.......2004-05-16
This book is a must-have for anyone serious about studying Native American cultures. It is a fun read, while still being absolutely crammed with information. It's clear the author put in a lot of time and work to master her subject. Not to mention, the artwork featured in the book is beautiful. I love to breeze through it when I've had a hard day, just to feel my spirits lift looking at such amazing works of art. You will learn so much and enjoy the journey enormously.
superb, magnificent.......2003-07-02
this book could easily inspire a life of crime--how else to afford the gorgeous contemporary jewelry? or acquire the museum quality antique and archeological collections?
as a knitter, embroiderer and beader, i am always looking for inspiration for my pieces. i may stoop to outright plagarism when it comes to the works in this incredible book. though i will say that i can only dream of having the level of skill the pieces display. the craftmanship, the artistry, are humbling when one considers the tools the artists had--and the reservation conditions under which too much of the art was created.
the text is wonderfully informative, if you can force yourself to read it, instead of allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the photos.
follow the advice of the professional review--buy this book immediately.
Customer Reviews:
Lovely storytelling.......2007-05-04
These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.
how thunder and earthquake made ocean.......2003-10-03
I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.
How Thunder And Earthquake Made Ocean.......2003-09-30
The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I liked the drawing
and illustration on the pictures.Also I thought it was
really creative how they traveled all around the world
to make an ocean.I really was into the book when I
was reading it.I learned from that book that you should
always try to help someone that really needs help.I also thought that it was pretty cool how Earthquake and
Thunder made ocean.If you have any qestions about
the book well don't ask me go ahead and read it your
self.
Environmentally Aware!.......2002-06-20
This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!
Great for Homeschoolers.......2002-01-12
I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it.
Book Description
This exciting Eagle's View edition includes all you need to know to make powerful and attractive Native American bows with an easy-to-follow text together with numerous illustrations and photos. The reader is shown how to use both primitive and modern techniques of bow and arrow making.
The book explores in detail acquiring tools and woods; designing the bow to fit your purposes; how to cut the wood and shape it to your design; how to bring the bow to a perfect arc; methods for recurving and/or reflexing the bow for added speed; backing the bow with wood, rawhide, intestine or sinew; dozens of ideas and photos for finishing the bow; photos and instructions for applying a snakeskin back; making quivers and cases with hides, beads and more; arrowsmithing from natural or modern materials; making bow strings with techniques that are understandable to even the beginning bowyer; and shooting the way that Native Americans did years ago.
Written for the beginning craftsman with over 200 illustrations, photos, charts and diagrams, this book will be invaluable to anyone interested in traditional weapons of the American Indian, their material culture and/or early Americana.
119 illustrations; 116 photographs; 5 charts.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book.......2007-02-23
When I first got this book, I was a bit fooled by the thin size but it has a great store of information in the thin size. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to learn more about making bows, arrows, and equipment the old way
Native American Know How.......2007-01-11
This is a very detailed book on how to make authentic Native American Bows & Arrows, and it's very easy to understand.
Informative.......2005-08-25
Informative book, pretty deep insight into how NA bows and arrows were made, used, decorated, etc. Some good photos, descriptions, worth the money and read. I keep mine for reference, as it has loads of specific info in the book. Advanced bowyers would likely not like the book, folks who are just starting or want to learn the NA way that these things were done will like it.
Thank you for the criticism.......2003-01-27
I'm the author of the book, and appreciate the criticisms and praises. I *would* like to let folks know that I wrote this book when I was 19 years young, and had a lot to learn. I wrote it in response to a very bad, and misinformative book that was considered the 'bible' of indigenous archery books at the time. Now, there are many books available on this wonderful subject.
Jim Hamm's book, video, and classes are invaluable. So is TM Hamilton's book, and DC Waldorf as well.
Don't miss my "Voices of Native America" music book as well.
arrows are included !.......2002-10-03
The other title of the same author "making arrows the old way" has its text already fully printed within "making indian bows and arrows the old way". Amazon gave me a discount so I could get both titles at once, and I end up having twice the same text and pictures on arrows... Do not do like me, buy only this title, not the arrow one. Nice book by the way...
Customer Reviews:
A Favorite......................2007-01-14
I wanted this book for some time. I must say, I love it and don't know why I did not buy it sooner. An all time favorite of mine for sure.
very good information. and good for research........2001-10-20
Hi I bouhgt Southwestern Indian Jewelry and it arrived with no plastic wrap and the jacket was damaged. Please let me know how to go about exchanging it for another in perfect condition. I am a collector and condition is important. Thank You, Joe Garcia.
The one book on American Indian jewelery you must own........1999-08-16
As a collector of Indian art, jewelery, pottery and rugs, I had the wonderful good fortune to know and consider the Hopi Master jeweler Charles Loloma my friend.
Finding a book on American Indian jewelery was almost impossible to come by until this great book by Dexter came out in 1992. The artists, their work in magnificent color will move anyone to want to own some of this jewelry.
From it's beginings late in the 19th century jewelery was the Indian method of carrying their wealth around in the form of necklaces, braclets etc, Indian jewery was mainly of two schools. Most prominent was the Navajo and the other Zuni.
Then in the mid 1960's came a Hopi indian Charles Loloma. He was the Picasso that was going to revolutionize American Indian jewelery and he did. This book is a testament to Charlie's followers who now produce jewlery that is both modern and magnificant. Buy the book then go out to an Indian Art shop anywhere in CA, AZ, NM or even NJ and you will not be able to resist owning someting.
Book Description
Indian Bead-Weaving Patterns is written for beginning and advanced beaders. It contains over 200 instructional illustrations and photographs of 47 beadwork pieces. Emphasis is on the use of traditional Native American beading techniques. The major portion of this book covers chain-weaving patterns, examples of which include multiple strands, 6-bead and 8-bead daisy chains, "Ogalala Butterfly," ladder weaves, "Peyote Stitch," fancy tubes, "spider" designs, "Apache Leaf," "Zig-zag" variations, 5- and 8-bead diagonals, "Potawatomi Weave," "Wide Net," "Lakota Chain," beaded braids, and beaded dolls. Also included in this book are notes on supplies, knots and threading and an illustrated section on How to Make and Use an Indian Bead Loom. With this new, enlarged edition, come two additional sections, TRIANGLE BASE has illustrated directions for making this very popular pattern for pendants and ear-drops; and BEAD EMBROIDERY includes detailed instructions for Rosettes and Applique work. Additional descriptions and illustrations are also given for other patterns of sewn beadery. Expanded to 80 pages in 1989, reprinted in 1993, this has been the best introduction to Native American beadworking since 1971.
Customer Reviews:
Indian Bead Weaving Patterns.......2007-09-15
The late Mr. Goodhue had a unique way of learning how many of the patterns he describes were originally executed: he would take a piece apart bead-by-bead to find out how it was constructed. This resulted in very detailed diagrams for many, many intricate bead weaving patterns. The instructions and diagrams are easy to follow, although to get even tension and consistent results, some of the patterns require a good deal of practice.
The Most Complete..........2007-01-08
To me, this is the most complete technical book ever wrote on Indian Beading works. But excuse my poor english, I'm french !
Classical Patterns.......2006-08-26
This book is invaluable. I have seen many wonderful patterns for beading drived from it and the beaders have given the book credit. Many beautiful patterns come from this book and the artists use it as a base for their original designs. I hope it never goes out of print. I always keep two copies, just in case.
Alisa Norton Miller
Beadwork as Meditation, Many Thanks, Mr. Goodhue!.......2006-06-22
I can ditto everything Diane Fitzgerald says -- and I have her books as well. After I became familiar with the weaves in the book, I translated them to fashion colors and created many lovely items which I sold. By adding fringe or texture, by using iridescent or matte finish beads, by "driving on the shoulder" so to speak (i.e., doing an unstructured Oglala Butterfly around a featured handmade large bead), I could make all sorts of new looks. The diagrams are clear. I photocopied several to color with my own color scheme ideas before undertaking a project.
But I have to say this book quite saved my life when my life was falling apart. I had someone I loved in the hospital with a head injury, not even expected to live. I held a stressful job and the rest of my life was not going well at all. I began working Mr. Goodhue's book, working every weave. Culling seed beads through a magnifying lamp, listening to music or to books on tape, I could forget my problems for 45 seconds at a time! With this book, a few colors of size 11 beads, a package of needles and some size B or D thread, you'll have hours of fun and a lot of bracelets! And a whole lot more. I hope Horace is beading in Heaven!
Can't Be Beat.......2005-12-03
I bought this book a number of years ago and it has always been my favorite. After seeing some little beaded Indian men and women on necklaces in a craft store in Cherokee, NC, I wanted to learn to make some. Goodhue's book is the only book I have come across which has instructions for the little dolls (although I don't think he has a picture of them). The only thing that would make the book better is some larger, color pictures of finished products, but at least you can't beat the hand-drawn diagrams for bead placement and thread direction. I had never made a decent looking daisy-chain until I came across it!
Average customer rating:
- How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts (Deluxe Clothbound Edition)
- Lots of good information
- Rating Correction
- Thorough study, 1905-1925,Ojibwe Food, Medical, General uses
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How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts
Frances Densmore
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
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ASIN: 0486230198 |
Book Description
A renowned ethnologist with the Smithsonian Institution offers a fascinating wealth of material on nearly 200 plants that were used by the Chippewas of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The volume provides an emphasis on wild plants and their lesser-known uses. "A fascinating, well-illustrated study." — Grand Rapids Gazette. 33 plates.
Customer Reviews:
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts (Deluxe Clothbound Edition).......2005-07-28
was paper back not cloth bound was listed wrong.
Lots of good information.......2002-04-16
I learned alot from reading this book. It's fairly short, and has lots of interesting tidbits. Though I feel it should be renamed--it doesn't deal with most indian cultures, but rather the Chippewa Indians, as they are who Frances Densmore made an extensive study of. The title is a bit misleading. One thing I felt that would have improved the book would have been a bit more of a clear listing of the information in the book, but then again, it is rather dated material.
Rating Correction.......2002-04-07
I haven't read this book, but after reading the previous review from the other reviewer, it seems clear she highly recommends this book and thus made a mistake with her 1-star rating. It seems a shame and unjust that sales of this book would suffer because of the reviewer's mistaken star rating when her review was positively glowing. So I'm going to balance things out -- at least this book will have a 3-star rating.
Thorough study, 1905-1925,Ojibwe Food, Medical, General uses.......1996-01-26
Densmore was liked and trusted by Native people, and had the advantage of Marry Warren English, an extraordinary Native woman living on the White Earth reservation as her interpreter and in many respects, co-author.
Her book reflects information from (mostly) women of the White Earth, Mille Lacs, Red Lake, Cass Lake,Leech Lake reservtions of Minnesota, Lac Courte Oreilles, WI, and Manito Rapids, Canada, over a period of more than 20 years.
Densmore had recorded many songs, including songs of the Midewewin (Grand Medicine Lodge) and explains that "Songs having been recorded, the Indian were willing to bring in the plants (that were sung with for healing) and to explain the manner of their use." Unlike male ethnobotanists, she developed a close relationships with the women, and participated on cooking, crafts, and ceremonies. The Native women found her another practiucal woman who was interested in recipes, sewing techniques and patterns, and how the day-to-day lives of families were lived.
"The majority of the informants were women, and they became interested in describing the former methods of preparing vegetable foods" as well as uses for dyes, fibers, and medicines. Densmore got qwuite specific info (unlike most ethnobotanists) about such things as "scraping the bark away from the root," how long it was to be driend, how uch water to steep it in (informants brought her their pails, to measure).
On the more technical side, Densmore got something most of the ethnobots don't bother with: the native names. She took info gathering about as far as you can go without computers, ith cross-referenced tables. (I am computerizing this for native students now). For each plant, she got a specimen and had it IDed by a botanist. Many plants were also analyzed, but the techniques of that period do not provide vbery good phytochmeical info.
For those not interested in these aspects, still this book gives a very thorough and interesting picture of Anishnab eg (lakelands wooland peoples) way of life, recording many tnings that still happen here today.
Fancxes Densmore, a musicologist rather than an anthro, had a strong feeling for the people and the places. She writes "In June the air is sweet with wild roses and in midsummer the fields are beautiful with red lillies, bluebells, and a marvelous variety of color. In autumn, the sumac flings its scarlet across the landscape, and in winter, there are miles of untrodden snow. The northern woodland is a beautiful country, and knowing it in all its changin seasons, one can not wonder at the poetry that is so inherent a part of Chippewa thought."
This well expresses the spirit in which she approached her researches among Indian people, and it is quite a different attidue than male anthros (and scientific ethnobotanists) have. Yet this book is an outstanding example for its time, and up to the easy avilabity of computers to ordinary people, of scientific, as well as literary, work. A bargain at Dover's pric, even though there are mail order sources offering it $1 cheaper. Very highly recommended to anyone interested in real (rather than fantasy) Native traditional life.
I don't hve time to write reviews of her other books (I have msot of them), but recommend them all very highly, not only the "Chippewa" (Ojibwe, Anishinaabeg) ones. She brought the same spirit to all of them, and learned and preserved many details of the beauty of native life at those times, things no one else in the white world was interested in then, and perhaps they still aren't.
Book Description
"I can think of no recent book about traditional crafts which has delighted me more than Joel Monture's
Complete Guide to Traditional Native American Beadwork. All too often, books of this nature are either as boring as a repair manual, or obscure and inaccurate. Monture's triumph is that his book is not only the best and most complete book about virtually every aspect of Native American beadwork tools, materials, styles and methods, it is also clear, interesting reading. Written from the point of view of a Native master craftsman who is also a gifted teacher, and accompanied by striking full-color photos, it can serve as either a beginning point or a lifelong reference tool. I am confident that Monture's book will bring him wide praise, not only from beadworkers, but also from any person who delights in knowing more about the meaning and the history of an indigenous artform which is finally attracting the sort of critical attention and informed appreciation it deserves."
—Joseph Bruchac, author of Keepers of the Earth
- Includes all the basic stitches and designs
- Contains a special section on natural tanning methods
- Extensive glossary
- Full-color photos of authentic Native American beadwork
Customer Reviews:
Native American Beadwork & more!.......2006-03-16
This is a great book for those looking for authentic beadwork styles. The author covers a broad range of styles. He also discusses different backgrounds and even provides instruction for hide tanning.
Preserving tribal styles and techniques.......2004-09-18
The author, Joel Monture, is a professor of traditional arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. His thorough textbook documents not only native American beadwork techniques, but the tedious methods of leather preparation that are necessary prior to beading.
A San Antonio local artisan, Ken Yanez, is familiar with this process of scraping, lacing and brain-tanning leather. Ken befriended a native American while in the Marines and accompanied him home to the reservation during military leaves. There, an elder showed Ken some magnificent, old beadwork. Ken was surprised to learn that the tribal youth showed little interest, including his friend. Although Ken doesn't have sufficient native American ancestry to qualify for tribal membership, he made a personal commitment to learn these techniques. Ken's projects are authentically produced but cannot be labeled as "Indian made."
Why don't tribal youth show more interest in native American craft? Preparation for beading in the native American tradition, such as brain-tanning of hides, is labor intensive, although the results are buttery-soft, making the leather pliable for decorative beading and quilling. Because of the work and time involved, few of today's tribal youth want to perpetuate the craft. "Time" has become "money," so if there is interest in doing crafts in the classical tradition, it's to make some money. Ken will attest to the amount of time it took to make a cradle board for his son. He certainly couldn't sell it for a price to equal the months that he put into the project.
To offset the lack of interest in fine craft, author Joel Monture has captured the steps needed to recreate the obvious beauty inherent in native American beadwork. The book features 43 color plates of beadwork, including the styles of many North American tribes.
In one respect, Joel is preserving an anthropological record of the personal ornamentation used by various tribes by showing us the differences and similarities of style. To lose these tribal identifiers results in cultural homogeny and a disconnect with our human history. Joel's sense of history has led him to capture these artistic techniques before they are lost.
It's worth looking at........2004-07-15
I just got this book along with two others the other night. Haven't had the chance yet to read it completely yet. Having scanned it a bit though, I would say the section with color photos is good, particularly if you're a crafter looking for patterns. The text I've read up to this point is good and worth reading. I've had a little bit of a hard time with some of the diagarms though, particularly some of the ones dealing with hides and hide tanning. Not that I'm looking to tan hides right now, but I thought it would still be interesting to understand the process. Several of the stitch diagrams are easier to follow though. There are black and white photos as well in this book. Most came out fine, but I think a there are a few that must have had poor lighting.
beautiful book.......2003-03-31
i love indian art, traditional and contemporary. i have a small collection of northwest and inuit art. i have studied the histories of several nations. but i am not an indian. no matter how much study i may devote to indian arts and history, i will never be an indian, i will never have the intimate knowledge that comes from growing up in a culture. i would never presume to tell any member of any indian nation that his or her work was not 'traditional.'
and what, exactly, is tradtional? louise keyser, a washoe who died in 1925, created a new form of basket in the 1890s that was based on her tradition and her knowledge of other nations' traditions. this is what artists do--take what they know, build on it, and create new forms. after all, indians happily absorbed european beads into their 'traditions.'
i design my own knits, embroideries and beadwork. this book offers stunning photos and a good section on traditional color use which together give me a good starting point for my own creations and which is why i rate this book at five stars.
note on nomenclature: the indians i have known were not concerned about indian/native american. i object to native american since the indians migrated (IMmigrated) here just as everyone else has, albeit a few thousand years earlier. if i have offended any indian/native american by this use, i apologize. if a european doesn't like it, well....
Native Beadwork from a Native perspective.......2003-02-05
How interesting that the beadwork book chosen as more "authentic" by some here was written by a European from Germany! Mr. Monture is Six Nations (Mohawk, I believe) from New York State, & has taught Native Arts at the American Indian Arts Institute (a college *for* Native artists) for some years.
Again, its more about where you're from. Some could say it is 'romantized', as it doesn't go into how much work it actually is to produce hides, that its smelly, you need a lot of guidance & practice, etc.
Different tribes use different techniques, & this book is definitely written from a more northeastern tradition, perhaps difficult to appreciate as it is less known outside these communities. (Plains beadwork is usually what the mainstream usually recognizes as 'authentic'.)
That said, one probably needs a little background to get the most from this book. I do wish there was more discussion on color use and Great Lakes pattern development, but these are also skills which are best honed by doing. I enjoyed this book, which does pack a lot of information into relatively little space. The construction techniques are excellent!
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- One Man's War: The WWII Saga of Tommy LaMore
Southwestern Indian Jewelry
The Allure of Turquoise
North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present, Concise Edition
Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones)
