Book Description
Encyclopedia of Native American Indians is a comprehensive, accessible guide to more than 150 North American Indian nations. Organized alphabetically by tribe or group, the book summarizes the historical record--such as locations, migrations, contacts with non-Indians, wars--and includes present-day tribal status. Readers will get a brief look at traditional Indian lifeways, including language, families, clothing, houses, boats, tools, arts, legends, and rituals. This revised edition features: Important developments in Indian political issues and cultural affairs Increased coverage of prehistoric Indians as well as Mesoamerican civilizations Emerging casinos in the 1990s, such as Foxwoods in the Pequot reservation in Connecticut Recent activism, such as demonstrations at Plymouth, Massachusetts and the blockade at the Oka and Kahnawake reserves near Montreal.The use of native names again by certain tribes, such as the Inuit, rather than those applied by non-Indians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Exceeds Expectations
I wanted something thorough and informative about Native American Tribes.I also wanted something clear and concise, but not so bogged down with detail that it was a chore to weed through.
This encyclopedia gave me what I wanted and more.I'm writing a fictional novel with a Native American character and needed help in knowing him and his background.I was impressed with how easy it was to look up information by tribe and get interesting tidbits, that if I so desired, I could research further.
This is definitely a writer's dream.I feel confident writing about a character from any tribe with this book in my collection.

Native American history
Excellent. As a Englishman, in my middle 60s, interested in native American history since I was a child, this book is very informative.

The only major fault I find is with the illustrations
I had read about most of these tribes in the past in web searches and other references.
That is why I fault the illustrations ( the stone tools look noting like their actual pictures)and that there isn't a better coverage of tool, housing and food sources. The language groups are well covered and their relationship are made pretty clear.
I was looking for my local California Indians that are in San Diego County.
They are noticeably absent in this coverage or disguised pretty well.
Since most of this information is in my old 1950's World Book
encyclopedia under different sections, I was hoping for a little more information here. I have to admit that it is a good reference source.

VERY GOOD INFO / USEFUL/ Comprehensive
I am a fifty seven year old retired elementary teacher...but
my lifelong interest has been the Plains Indian Culture.
I just asked my hubby to get me this book for Christmas after
spending about ten minutes looking at it in Barnes and Noble
yesterday.
Good sized print, the info is arranged as user friendly.
I saw tribes mentioned in there that have been omitted from other
books about North American Tribes.A comprehensive guide.
Many drawings....colored illustrations.
My only negative -----I wanted to see a few more maps ...regional
maps of the tribes.
ALso...at the store ...I was looking at a SOFTCOVER edition....not
a hardcover one.(I would not pay 75 dollars for hardcover when
it is available in softcover. )

Essential and core
Now in a newly updated and expanded third edition, "Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes" is a compilation of facts for more than two hundred Native American tribes in North America, including prehistoric peoples on the North American continent as well as all of the identifiable Native American civilizations on the continent. Organized alphabetically by tribe or group, there is at least one representative Native American tribe from each language family or language isolate for each culture area covered. From locations, migrations, contact with non-Indians, wars, customs, housing, tools, clothing, art, rituals, diet, and cultural contributions, "Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes" has special relevance for contemporary tribal issues and concerns. "Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes" is a critically important, superbly presented, essential and core addition to professional, academic, and community library Native American Studies reference collections. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Very worthwhile for children and adults alike
Compiled by Allan MacFarlan, Native American Tales and Legends compiles myths and stories drawn from the title culture.Featuring more than thirty tales, Native American Tales and Legends feature heroic stories and allegories, folk tales, and tales of the spirit world among others, which is pretty much what anyone at all familiar with the Native American culture would expect.Children will enjoy the fairy tale-like quality and dreamlike states of many of the tales ("Manstin, the Rabbit" in particular) and followers of the culture will enjoy this collection even more so.The only real downside of Native American Tales and Legends is that more material wasn't included in this collection, and that no poetry from the culture is featured either, which contains just as much mythology and heart as any of the other stories featured here.Despite that, this is instantly worth picking up regardless. ... Read more

Book Description
Native American stories of the sacred are intended for morethan entertainment: they are teaching tales containing elegantly simpleillustrations of time-honored truths. From tales of Creation to "Why?"stories that help explain the natural world around us, these storieshighlight the sacredness of all life and affirm that we are each anintegral part of all that is holy.

Drawn from tribes across North America, these are careful retellings oftraditional stories such as Son of Light's quest to win back his capturedwife from the monstrous Man-Eagle; humble Muskrat's noble self-sacrifice toestablish solid land so other beings might live; Water Spider's creativesolution for retrieving fire for all the animals; and White Buffalo CalfWoman's profound gift of the sacred pipe to the people. Each of thecompelling stories in this collection illustrates principles that can guideyou on your own spiritual quest.

Now you can experience the wisdom of these teaching tales even if you haveno previous knowledge of Native American traditions. SkyLight Illuminationsprovides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains the culturaland spiritual significance of the seemingly mundane objects found in thesestories--tobacco, gambling, even the exploits of mischievous tricksterssuch as Coyote and Weasel--while gracefully drawing comparisons toChristian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions, among others.Whatever your spiritual heritage, these Native American stories of thesacred are sure to delight and inspire you with the sacredness of allCreation, and remind you that the earth does not belong to us--we belong tothe earth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very interesting
I took a class with Prof. Pritchard at Marist College and this book was a requirement. The book is great. Short, but very enlightening. It consists of many short stories that appear in Native American cultures. The book has very detailed footnotes, like in Sparknotes to explain everything. He is a wonderful teacher and has great knowledge about Native American cultures. I would highly recommend it to anyone with interest in this topic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful
This book is absolutely wonderful for those who are persuing intrests in Native American Literature. It is a great source of knowledge and understanding. It goes along through all of the struggles and stereotypes that have been placed on Native Americans since we invaded their territory.. I HIGHLEY RECOMMEND

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
I first began reading thie book for a NAtive American Literature class, but have found that this books offers great stories that will help you learn and understand many of the struggles of the Indian culture. It goes through the stereotypes and dramas that they had and are still going through. I recommend this book to anyone studying Native Americans. ... Read more

Book Description
Although historians predicted the demise of the Penobscot Indians early in the nineteenth century, the tribe is thriving at the opening of the twenty-first century. Having by the early 1800s been rendered all but invisible to the dominant culture, the Penobscots, by selectively adapting to changing circumstances, won back land and visibility. The vital importance of employing elements of cultural resistance as a survival mechanism has, until now, been underestimated. In a larger context, Dance of Resistance demonstrates how an examination of the history of one Indian nation provides a window on the complex interaction of cultural systems in America.

MacDougall demonstrates that Penobscot legend, linguistics, dance, and oral tradition became "foundations of resistance" against assimilation into the dominant culture. She thoughtfully and accessibly reconstructs from published, archival, and oral sources the tribe's metaphorical and triumphant "Dance of Resistance"--founded on spiritual power, reverence for homeland, and commitment to self-determination--from colonial times to the present. A decade of political activism culminated in the precedent-setting 1980 Maine Indian Land Claims settlement. Today the Penobscots run small industries, manage their natural resources, and provide health services, K through 8 education, and social services to the poor and elderly of their community. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (12)

I know my inner spirit now.
I have always been looking. Spirit Medicine and the whole works of Wolf Moondance helped me home! I know my spirit and it is a great joy. You will like this book if you want to change your lif and apply good native teaching of NOW, it is not bill it is meat and truth! Oloe

The book and th e author changed my life!
I think as we humans look we are also full of fear. We always listen to each other and not the true spirit. I have learned from my full blood granny that we have to listen to our spirit and not people. As an author Wolf Moondance shows she listens to the spirit. We as humans want some one to show us the way and give us the answers. We have to be open to your spirit and hear the voice of our vision. In the spirit Medicine book I had to work to get passed my human ways but after reading one chapter I relized I had found a true teacher. I could not get away with my old ways but was open to the spirit. YOU will love it after you get to the real spirit self, Great Book...Grand Teacher!

I like the look of the Book and love the teachings!
I will keep it sweet nd short-YOU WILL LOVE THE BOOK. There is a requirement-You have to have a open mind and understand Wolf Moondance is real. REAL spiritual and Creative. She has gifted us with words from her family, not a natin or a fad or an movememt, from her heart and from her vision! GOOD WORK. I love Wolf Medicine also! Carry Strong Heart

No One Will Hold Your Hand, Your On Your Own...
I have read it and done the exersizes in the book and you feel worked over first and then you work on it and the doors staryt to open and the spirit changes and you grow. I know from reading all the books wolf has written that you will grow when you study Spirit Medicine. You have to know and want to know your spirit to find your spirit. No witch craft her. It is clear and clean that Wolf Moondance works from her vision, which is Native American. I know cause I am Native-Blackfoot. Thanks Wolf Like the work.Ronda Hunting Bear- Montana.

Simply a great tool for LIFE!
I just recieved Wolf Moondance's books for my birthday.I want to say that I have NOT been disappointed by Rainbow Medicine and Spirit Medicine.After finishing both I was left with a sense of a deeper understanding for Wolf Moondance's vision.I also visited her web site.I have to say that there are differing concepts in her book and website, but I understand how this vision could be complicated and have more parts than what was in the book.Fortunately, both the book and the website make perfect sense and left me with a feeling of hope and understanding for my future. If you find things in the book that you don't understand, try going to the website and writing Wolf Moondance for clarification.This author's books are rich, and probably contain only a portion of the whole teaching. What you will find in her books is pure magical writing from a personal vision. Maybe if you are looking to "fix" your problems and haven't already addressed your issues you will miss the true meaning of the words in the book.Lots of people are angry and are looking for a way for someone or something to fix their problems. I am sorry for the last person that wrote a review on this book.The person sounds angry and confused.Wolf Moondance's books are not confusing or disappointing.They are a tool, one of many that you should use on your quest for a happy life.Don't let angry people influence you on buying the books.Take it from me, they are rewarding and consistently great. ... Read more

Book Description
"This is the first major study of American Indians in Vietnam. . . . Dr. Tom Holm, a Cherokee-Creek himself and a Vietnam veteran, provides the unheard 'Indian Voice,' and he shares an insightful perspective on that controversial war."
-Donald L. Fixico, Professor of History, Western Michigan University

At least 43,000 Native Americans fought in the Vietnam War, yet both the American public and the United States government have been slow to acknowledge their presence and sacrifices in that conflict. In this first-of-its-kind study, Tom Holm draws on extensive interviews with Native American veterans to tell the story of their experiences in Vietnam and their readjustment to civilian life.

Holm describes how Native American motives for going to war, experiences of combat, and readjustment to civilian ways differ from those of other ethnic groups. He explores Native American traditions of warfare and the role of the warrior to explain why many young Indian men chose to fight in Vietnam. He shows how Native Americans drew on tribal customs and religion to sustain them during combat. And he describes the rituals and ceremonies practiced by families and tribes to help heal veterans of the trauma of war and return them to the "white path of peace."

This information, largely unknown outside the Native American community, adds important new perspectives to our national memory of the Vietnam war and its aftermath. ... Read more

Book Description
Contains the first intelligible delineations of the 20 day-signs of ancient Mexico. This book is the source for other more recent books on this subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I have a question
What is the difference between tonalpohualli and tomalamatl and Mayan astrology.When I was in Mexico my Tonalamatl was done.I am an obsidian butterfly, jaguar, cassa and hummingbird.When I used Bruce Scofield'sbook I came up with different symbols.Tonalamatl is based on the CodiceBorgio.Is Scofield's the same version?My birthday is Sept. 10, 1948 inCanada.I want to learn the tomalamatl and want to know if that is whatBruce's book will teach me.My e-mail is: heatherhess@hotmail.comPLEASEADVISE ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great for children and adults
i am not a native american but my ansestors were so it is in my blood and i am very proud of it. i had this book when i was a child and i loved the stories and the ways of the [native] americans. this book is great for children, and i think that native american haritage is very important. ... Read more

Book Description
Indian artists from all over the nation have deep ties to New Mexico. A great many live and work in the state. Countless others have attended and/or taught at the renowned Institute of American Indian Arts (AIA) in Santa Fe, NM. All have exhibited their work at Pueblo and Indian art exhibitions, in major galleries, or at the annual Indian market hosted by the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) in Santa Fe.

Almost without exception, Native artists draw upon their heritage for inspiration, and usually for form and content as well. Some create their art using traditional mediums and designs; others explore modern, sometimes unorthodox subjects, styles, and mediums. The visions expressed in their art mirror the diverse experiences of indigenous peoples living in America today.

Ndn presents examples drawn from the panorama of Native American art. Charleen Touchette’s lively essay brings a contemporary perspective to Indian art. She also selected the artists to be included in Ndn, some of whom are Allan Houser, R. C. Gorman, Arlo Namingha, Margarete Bagshaw-Tindel, Kevin Red Star, Anita Fields, and Joel McHorse. Each artist is presented individually in profiles by Suzanne Deats.

An extensive collection of the unique expressions of many well known contemporary American Indian artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful Book of American Indian Contemporary Art
In curating NDN ART, I selected the vibrant art of 30 Native American artists connected to New Mexico. In the introductory essay, I discuss the history of "Diversity and Change" in American Indian art and the dynamic way indigenous artists respond to change and use art to support families and communities. This oversize art book printed on quality paper in Italy by the fine art printers Sfera makes the five full pages of color art for each artist brilliant. It's the next best thing to owning the exquisite work of ndn artists as diverse as R.C.Gorman, Fritz Scholder, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Kevin Red Star, Nathan Youngblood, Cheyenne Harris, Doug Coffin, Armand Lara, Ramona Sakiestewa, Charlene Teters, Michael Naranjo, Ed Archie Noisecat, Preston Singletary, Celeste Wohl and Anita Fields. NDN ART has biographical profiles on each artist. The jewel like colors and vivid textures of Dine David Johns' paintings alone are worth the price of this well-designed book. ... Read more

Book Description
An updated edition of this classic collection of more than 500 years of Native American history

Revised to bring this important chronicle to theend of the millennium, anthropologist Peter Nabokov presents a history of Native American and white relations as seen though Indian eyes and told through Indian voices. Beginning with the Indians' first encounters with European explorers, traders, missionaries, settlers, and soldiers to the challenges confronting Native American culture today, Native American Testimony is a series of powerful and moving documents spanning five hundred years of interchange between the two peoples. Drawing from a wide range of sources--traditional narratives, Indian autobiographies, government transcripts, firsthand interviews, and more--Nabokov has assembled a remarkably rich and vivid collection, representing nothing less than an alternate history of North America.

* Updated with new material on Native Americans facing the twenty-first century

"A strong and moving reminder of a lost dimension in American history." --Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A perspective from the Native American Indian's perspective
I bought this book to help me learn about my family's history as a Native American Indian. I was always concerned that the Native American Indians had a unfair portrayal in American History. This book I think is a valuable literary piece. It breaks events down in historical order. They are easy to read. Once I finished with I felt I had read the Native Indian's perspective which is amiss in the Northeast school teachings of history. There were some interesting stories that were accounted as well.

Naative American Testimony: Chronicle Indian White Relations
Testimonies from all different tribes of Native Americans which are grouped by subject in part and chronically in part. Very informative primary sources. Wonderful for research.

Native American Testimony: Chronicle Indian White Relations from Prophecy Present 1942 2000 (rev Edition)
Nabokov's book is a fantastic compilation of Native American history as remembered and documented by the First People of America.I bought this book for a class that I am taking and will definitely keep this in my library as a valued treasure.It's easy to read and is in somewhat of a chronological order

Eye Opening
Native Americans have been fighting for ages to tell their side of the story, but they haven't been able to get through to the mainstream.In this book, Nabokov presents us the Native American perspective from prophecy to present.By reading the testimony of Native Americans themselves, we get a clear picture of their plight.This book doesn't give a detailed history of Native Americans, but rather gives us a finger on the pulse of the Native spirit.

Native Americans have lost a great deal.When Europeans first arrived in North America, they did what they could to help these new brothers, and were happy to share what they had.However, the Europeans kept on coming and they started taking what didn't belong to them.The Europeans started fencing off the native lands.They destroyed the land and the animals with their greed.The Native Americans were continually pushed off their ancestoral lands and were driven to less desirable lands.They suffered the loss of their lands, traditions, and way of life.It's important for us as Americans to examine this sad episode of our history.We should take this lesson and apply it to our lives, and think about how we treat others who are different from us.I really recommend this book to those who are interested in reading the other side of the history of our nation.

GIVES THE REAL STORY
Native American Testimony is one of the best books I have ever read regarding the real history of the native peoples.It tells of the first meeting of the white man through the present.This is all from the Native American perspective.All tribes are represented throughout this book showing the different expereinces they each had with the white man. And the white mans need to change a beautiful culture.This book should be read by everyone at some point in there life, it should be mandatory within the school system as well.It shows the strength these people had to survive and how they fought for there rights.I enjoyed this book because for the first time in my life I felt I was being told the truth about the relationship of the US government and the Native Americans. Past to Present. ... Read more

Book Description
Did you ever wonder what life might be like in a Native American village? What would you eat, and how would you pass the long winter nights? In this book, you can find out by cooking and eating traditional Catawba roasted corn, making your own Lakota beaded wristband, or creating a decorative Zuni water jar. At the same time, you'll be exploring indigenous cultures from the Inuit of the Arctic to the Tohono O'odam of the Sonoran Desert. You'll be amazed and delighted by the wealth of fascinating facts and exciting things to do and make in Traditional Native American Arts and Activities.

Jam-packed with fun and easy-to-follow projects, recipes, and games, this captivating book explores what makes the heritage of Native Americans so unique and wonderful. Where else can you learn how to sew a Tlingit button blanket, stir up a yummy Yupik wild raspberry dessert, or make a coaster using a traditional Seminole patchwork design? Encounter the stories and customs of the early North Americans, and of their descendants today, and have a great time doing it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Traditional Native American Crafts and Activities
This is an excellent book that provides kids with accurate, historical information about Native Americans.
The activities represent authentic Native American arts and also includes recipes and games.
This book would be anasset to any home or classroom.The author traveled to reservations and native communities to gather her information. ... Read more

Book Description
For many people, Native American architecture calls to mind the wigwam, tipi, iglu, and pueblo. Yet the richly diverse building traditions of Native Americans encompass much more, including specific structures for sleeping, working, worshipping, meditating, playing, dancing, lounging, giving birth, decision-making, cleansing, storing and preparing food, caring for animals, and honoring the dead.In effect, the architecture covers all facets of Indian life.The collaboration between an architect and an anthropologist, Native American Architecture presents the first book-length, fully illustrated exploration of North American Indian architecture to appear in over a century. Peter Nabokov and Robert Easton together examine the building traditions of the major tribes in nine regional areas of the continent from the huge plank-house villages of the Northwest Coast to the moundbuilder towns and temples of the Southeast, to the Navajo hogans and adobe pueblos of the Southwest.Going beyond a traditional survey of buildings, the book offers a broad, clear view into the Native American world, revealing a new perspective on the interaction between their buildings and culture.Looking at Native American architecture as more than buildings, villages, and camps, Nabokov and Easton also focus on their use of space, their environment, their social mores, and their religious beliefs.Each chapter concludes with an account of traditional Indian building practices undergoing a revival or in danger today. The volume also includes a wealth of historical photographs and drawings (including sixteen pages of color illustrations), architectural renderings, and specially prepared interpretive diagrams which decode the sacred cosmology of the principal house types. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Elegant Survival Solutions
More than a testament to Native American artistic vision and ingenuity, this book is a delightful resource for survivalists as well as historians - and for those who would just like to find ideas for less technological ways of building simple dwellings. Well illustrated with diagrams, photos and how-to drawings for constructing shelters in many different climates and with various resource limitations. Excellent, fun to read and full of eye openning ideas.

Native Homes as Sacred Spaces
This book is an excellent bioregional overview of Native American structures. What I appreciate most is the way the authors have actually shown HOW the structures were made, sometimes in actual step-by-step procedures, which would allow someone to actually build in that style and using many of the same natural materials today. Another thing I love about the book is that the authors have sincerely tried to understand my Native American relationships to all the materials and the sacredness of the spaces we created. The authors treat that understanding with respect and honor. In this day when material resources are dwindling at alarming rates and the Earth is being devastated by the mindless rape of resources, it is a reminder to us all that we can choose alternatives to conventional wood-frame homes and return to more sustainable and natural housing for our respective bioregions. This book, though maybe not necessarily intended as such, is a hands-on, how-to book for us all. It reminds us that Native Americans lived in harmony and balance with our lands and our local plant and animal family for tens of thousands of years without destroying the places in which we lived. The photographs are instructive and beautiful and the architectural-type drawings are a delight. They make the actual building of these structures possible. I use parts of this book as required reading for all my students, especially my graduate students, and have taught actual classes using this book as the text, though it is not written in a "textbook" style. It is a very readable book and most useful for these times. I recommend it highly to all. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent on technique
This book is excellent for describing technique.It's easy to follow and do.There are lots of interesting patterns and techniques you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

There is nothing traditional about what is described here.These are techniques for modern dodads and keychains.Still, it's great fun.

The Native American motif is a plus
There are some good books on techniques and materials in the shelves out there. There is also a lot of kitsch out there that makes beading look like a second class skill or hobby.

This book excels in making beading a first class art. Although the Projects and techniques say they are from the Southwest, they are universal. The symbols do focus on the San Carlos Apache tribe. The finished product would be Worthing of giving as gifts or placing on the mantle:
Sonora-weave Choker
Netted Gourd
Floral Bracelet
Bone-hair-pipe Bracelet
Leather medicine gag
Triple-strand fetish necklace
Bear earrings
Comanche-weave feather
Chile Pepper
Corn-stitch earrings
Phoenix key ring
Kokopelli amulet bag
Netted basket
Flat round peyote basket
Powwow perfume bag
Navaho bead rug
Kokopelli pin
Medicine wheel

The book also contains information on Native American beadwork from the Southwest. Native American Spirituality. And a pretty good glossary.

Of course everyone will have their favorite; mine is Netted Basket.

A Must-Have Resource for Beaders
I came upon this gem while searching for ideas for using a packet of porcupine quills which a friend had purchased for me during his travels.I ordered the book online, based solely on a review which sounded promising.Little did I know what a treat I was in for!

The photography is stunning and whets the reader's appetite for undertaking the projects.The photos of the projects in various stages of completion are very clear.There is no difficulty in counting individual beads or determining where one row ends and another begins.In addition to the photos, there are diagrams which illustrate traditional stitches, as well as project patterns.Written instructions are explicit and complete.Ms. Geary has added a beadwork glossary, again with crisp photos and easy-to-follow diagrams.This is an indispensable reference for beaders, offering information on beading topics, in general, and Native American techniques and components, in particular.

In addition to the eighteen projects in the book, Ms. Geary has provided a succinctly and elegantly written introduction to the role of beading in history and particularly among Native Americans, e.g., its spiritual, cultural, and economic significance.Each project offers a brief, but very informative, introduction on the geographical and tribal origin of the piece or technique, and suggested variations, designed to spark the reader's own creativity.

Within one week of receiving this book, I had completed three of the projects and designed a fourth, based upon one of the author's patterns.This is a resource I will return to over and over, both for specific information and as a springboard for my own imagination.In the meantime, I'll be looking for more of Ms. Geary's work!

Glorious Teaching
The author has indeed educated this anglo on some very interesting Native American traditions.Her writing is superb and the photographs of the completed projects are divine, thanks to Nancy Palubniak, photographer.Instructions are precise and very understandable.The step by step illustrations are also comprehensive and easy to read.I have been a collector of Beading Books for 12 years and this is my favorite, so far. I highly recommend every officianado of Native American traditions and beadwork purchase this book for their collection.

Finally, a book with more then one bead technique!
I'm a beader from Tucson, AZ and have bought many books on beading throughout the years.I was very impressed by the completeness of the Beadwork Glossary that included photos in Ms. Geary's book, as well as the easy to understand directions for the different projects.Her different beading techniques make this book a must have for every beader!Can't wait for her next book!Inspired in Tucson. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Full-color photographs illustrate the rich art of Native American beadwork in this combination practical how-to and coffee-table book. A historical perspective explains how and why beadwork is produced and what techniques are popular today. Clear and concise directions show how to produce beadwork in the Native American tradition, including lane stitch, loom, appliqué, gourd stitch, and Comanche brickwork. An illustrated gallery showcases historical and contemporary beadwork. Also included is information on research, tools, and materials. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Beautifully Beaded Work
If you love American Indian beadwork, here's a good book for you.There are chapters on the history of beadwork in America, researching native American beadwork and collecting it.
Other chapters cover lane-stitch beadwork, loom beadwork, applique beadwork, gourd stitch and Comanche brick stitch, uncommon beadwork techniques, beaded edgings and finishing techniques, and patterns. He actually shows how to make different looms (tension loom, box loom, and heddle loom).
I can't vouch for the patterns and ease of following the directions, as my interest was in the historic beadwork.Simply beautiful!
There's a chapter on tools, materials and buying beads.
The color photos show projects and also antique beaded pieces from museums and collections.

Wonderful Book
There are many great examples in this book. The pictures are wonderful and I feel it is well worth the money spent.

Beading in the Native American Tradition
A wonderful resource for historic accuracy of Native Beaded Pieces of Art.

I recommend the library first...
When possible, I take a book out of the library before I buy it. Hey, 3-6 weeks of free review, can't beat that. Anyway, I would recommend getting this book, but at a discounted price (from here or another online source). If you are like me and do beading as a craft, I personally I found some of the photos and diagrams quite helpful, but some of the instructions and other diagrams were a little hard to follow. If nothing else, you can get design ideas from it! I would rate parts of the text as moderately helpful, depending on your interest level.

Best book???? ... Not this one!
OK, another nice book with nice illustrations, and nice instructions. But to be honest, I was sorry for the money I had wasted on a book that I had hoped to complement "Native American Beadwork: Traditional Beading Techniques for the Modern-Day Beadworker" by Georg J. Barth which has been around for almost ten years now (Stevens Point, WI: Schneider Publishers 1993, available through Amazon.com). David Dean's book, however, doesn't add substantially to my knowledge of Native American beading; a lot of cultural or tribal attribution of the objects shown is wrong though anyone only superficially familiar with tribal styles could make a better guess!

Barth's book is a much better source of information if you really want to learn how to bead in the Native American tradition; it's become a classic and has been quoted in the latest volume on Plains Indians of the Smithsonian "Handbook of North American Indians." ... Read more

Book Description
This well-respected volume provides readers with a broad overview of the diverse peoples known as Native Americans plus insights into the daily life of individual tribes. Part I, Prehistory, reflects the many new discoveries in dating that have occurred recently. Part II employs the construct of culture areas to facilitate an understanding of the relationship between culture and adaptation and also to aid in sorting out the diversity of American Indian cultures. Part III covers various culture traits, including technology, art, religion, and political systems. Part IV explores the interactions between Native Americans and non-natives and includes discussions of current issues and controversies as well as additional information on Canadian Indians. Native American Heritage, Third Edition, features a useful format, many photographs and illustrations, and up-to-date maps and charts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Garbarino and Sasso offer an excellent summary text
Merwyn S. Garbarino and Robert F. Sasso offer an excellent summary text concerning a broad range of culture areas.The approach taken by Garbarino and Sasso is excellent for use as a text or reference source for individuals interested in Native cultures.They take a somewhat outdatedapproach by using culture areas.However, given the breadth of matterialin the book it would be impossible to avoid some generalizations.Theapproaches to technology and thought systems in a comparative setting areexcellent.I have used this text in my Native American Cultures course. And, for a change, my students said they were not going to try to sell thebook back at the the end of the semester. ... Read more

Book Description
Negotiators of Change is one of the most original and innovative volumes to explore the terrain of Native American women's history. The essays included span the period between the seventeenth century and the present, focusing on the significance of gender in Native American and Euro-American interactions. The contributors present new historical sources, methods and interpretations that enhance our understanding of Indian women's reactions to the changes introduced by Euro-American contact and conquest.

Negotiators of Change covers the history of ten tribal groups including the Cherokee, Iroquois and Navajo as well as tribes with less known histories such as the Yakima, Ute, and Pima-Maricopa. The book contests the idea that European colonization let to a loss of Native American women's power, and instead presents a more complex picture of the zdaptation to, and subversion of the economic changes introduced by Europeans. The essays also discuss the changing meanings of motherhood, women's roles, and differing gender ideologies within this context.

Contributors: Helen M. Bannan, Kathleen Brown, Paivi Hoikkala, Harry A. Kersey, Jr., Clara Sue Kidwell, Lucy Murphy, Katherine M.B. Osburn, Theda Perdue, Nancy Shoemaker, Carol Sparks, Clifford E. Trafzer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good introduction to recent scholarship
A very good introduction to the most recent scholarship on Native American women.I have used this collection in a variety of classes and students have responded positively to the essays.It is stronger in thepre-twentieth century period and the essays are more theorectical thanempirical. ... Read more