Native Arts of North America

by David W. Penney

The tipi, the feather headdress and the pipe of peace: such are the cliches representatives of a culture often confined to anecdotal notice for its 'crafts'. This volume takes us beyond all that. Archaeology, costume, weaving, pottery, basket making, painting and sculpture are all addressed here. The sculptural quality of the articles presented, their purity of line and expressive intensity, command the status of art. Penney's vivid account defines their spiritual and symbolic import.
Colour reproductions from the greatest US collections of Amerindian art are accompanied by period black and white photographs situating the various Indian cultures in their historic contexts.

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Wendelle]

This is a well-written book on the fascinating architecture, arts and crafts of the mound-building Hopewell, pueblo cliff-dwelling Anasazi, etc. The sad thing to realize is that although the crafts they have made seem alien and exotic, some of them were created for a dreary purpose we can all recognize: to manifest power. For instance, Hopewell burial mounds were filled with a lot of mica jewelry remains to exhibit the wealth and power of the individual, and the family he belonged to. It seems power structures in one form or another just seem to be a dominant feature of human societies.

[Carole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read this book recently, but always admired the beautiful pictures of Native America Art. This book includes the history of Native Americans over the centuries and the influences on their art. Basket making, painting, weaving, sculpture, clothing, and archaeology are all included. This book is for everyone who admires the art and life of Native Americans.