"The book's large format and beautiful color images make this title a worthy addition to any collection in need of information about Native American art and customs, or clothing tradition and design."
—Library Journal
More than five centuries of native peoples' artistry.
Native Americans crafted beautiful clothing out of skins, pigment, quills and sinew. The collection of photographs in this outstanding reference celebrates this decorative genius. Many of the 300 photographs from more than 60 leading museums and private collections have never been published previously.
The book describes the clothing in fascinating detail, from moccasins and tunics to sashes, bags and ceremonial and burial costumes. Theodore Brasser explains who made what and how, as well as the meanings of the different kinds of decoration, such as beadwork, embroidery, appliqué, patchwork, weaving and dyeing. There are also many examples of native pottery and other historic artifacts that depict themes used in the clothes.
Native American Clothing
provides a thorough historical background of the many influences on this clothing, including:
Mythology
Climate
Social status
Geography
Political standing
Contact with European settlers.
Wealth
The book covers the entire North American continent and is organized by tribal groups and regions:
Southeast
Southwest
Northern east coast
Plateau/desert
Eastern Great Lakes
California
Eastern sub-Arctic
Northwest coast
Great Lakes
Western sub-Arctic
Plains
Arctic.
Numerous maps show the ranges of the tribes and convey how trade and travel spread cultural themes.
With authoritative text and art-quality color reproductions,
will be important to collectors and historians and will also appeal to general readers.