Navaho Indians probably adopted the art of weaving from captive Pueblo women in the early eighteenth century. They soon outstripped their teachers in the skill and quality of their work and today Navaho blankets, rugs and other items are known all over the world.In this profoundly illustrated, first in-depth study of the technical aspects of Navaho weaving, the author summarizes the long career of the loom and its prototypes in the prehistoric Southwest, describes and illustrates in detail the various weaves used by the Navaho and analyzes the manufacture of their native dyes. Supplemented wit... View More...
The Shakers are well-known to lovers of American furniture and decorative arts. Their colourful cabinets, chairs, boxes and gift drawings are prized by enthusiasts. This study examines the way in which the beliefs, religious practices and daily life of the Shakers have influenced their arts. View More...
Switchbacks explores how the Nuxalk of Bella Coola, British Columbia, negotiate such complex questions as: Who owns culture? How should culture be transmitted to future generations? Where does selling and buying Nuxalk art fit into attempts to regain control of heritage? View More...