Arts & Crafts of the Native American Tribes - by Michael G Johnson & Bill Yenne (Paperback)

About the Book

"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."--

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

[Review of previous edition: ] Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is a richly illustrated, detailed review of the material culture of North American Indians...This book takes a detailed and scholarly approach to material culture of Native North America. As such, it will be of interest to specialists such as ethnographers, museum staff, and collectors.--Margo Crabtree "Science Books and Films" (3/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] For collectors seeking to authenticate an item and everyone seeking expert information on Native American crafts, this will prove a valuable, up-to-date resource.--Deborah Donovan "Booklist" (12/15/2011 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Readers will be impressed by the hundreds of black and white and color illustrations ranging from museum specimen photos (of widely varying quality) to early painted portraits, galleries of pottery and fabric design variations, maps, pictures of artisans at work, and labeled diagrams or exploded views of garments, housing, head gear and weapons.--John Peters, formerly New York Public Library "School Library Journal" (2/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] This authoritative illustrated reference has been created to be a companion to the Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America. It examines in detail how Native American culture evolved and considers the regional similarities in and differences between the arts and crafts created by tribes across the continent. Contemporary and modern photographs, fine line illustrations and step-by-step reconstructions (including a Plains Indian warrior dress with headdress, war bonnet, shirt and leggings) show manufacturing techniques as well as the skill and artistry of the makers.-- "American Indian Art Magazine" (9/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] This book is recommended for dealers who have tribal arts items in their inventory, for students of ethnography, for people interested in the history of Native handwork and the design/motif heritage, and for those who delight in collecting indigenous arts. It is a fine resource book.-- "Maine Antique Digest" (4/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] This highly visual publication will be a boon to ethnographers and artists interested in Native American traditions.-- "Publishers Weekly Web Exclusive" (11/14/2011 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Totem poles may be the best known artifacts of native creativity. As the spectacular displays presented here illustrate, however, they are only a small sample of the industry and ingenuity of peoples ranging from Tlingit to Cherokee. The book shows that native peoples have worked with a diversity of materials, from silver to porcupine quills, throughout their history.--Ron Kirbyson "Winnipeg Free Press" (12/5/2011 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Unlike Euro American societies, Indian artists did not produce art for art's sake; it was inseparable from other material culture. As such, this isn't just an examination of arts and crafts of the United States and Canada. It's also a look into their way of life and their belief systems. In encyclopedic fashion, this title shows how Indian culture evolved with an emphasis on the artifacts produced -- everything from clothing, masks to jewelry. Decorations are of prime importance whether, it's beadwork or basketry that's the topic. The authors address not just what was made, but also how it came to be.... Text and illustrations are both abundant.-- "Antique Week" (5/28/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] 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.--Shannon Graff Hysell "American Reference Books Annual 2012" (3/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Wholly a historical encyclopedia. It does a good job of covering the continent [and] tribal groups in each region.-- "Book News" (12/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

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.