One has to wonder if the young woman pictured on the cover of this book is frowning because something integral to her culture has been summed up with "Arts and Crafts" in the book's title. We can't be too harsh on the publishers, though, because far fewer people would understand "Material Culture of the Native American Tribes". That's what this book is all about -- the artifacts made by the various Native American cultures. (And the book DOES seem to be written respectfully.)
Most chapters focus on an
area and the things made by the peoples who lived there (northeastern woodlands, great plains, southeastern nations, etc.), but two chapters focus on
things -- one on moccasins and one on ceremonial dress.
This book is amazing... baskets, jewelry, clothing, headdresses, snow shoes, umiaks and kayaks, pottery, and much more. There are even sewing patterns for some of the clothing. Most amazing is the genius way these folks used whatever they had on hand to make beautiful items, and didn't waste anything.
Indigenous peoples from both United States and Canada are included. First printing. Hardcover with dust jacket. 256 thick and glossy pages. Both black and white and color illustrations throughout. Maps to show where the tribes lived. Bibliography and index. Book is big, 9.5 x 12 inches, weighs 3.5 pounds.
