Techniques of North American Indian Beadwork (Monte Smith)

Price: $14.95
Publisher: Eagle's View Publishing ()
Number of Pages: 102
ISBN: 0943604028

This informative and easy to read book was written by noted author and editor Monte Smith and contains complete instructions on every facet of doing beadwork. Included is information on selecting and buying beads; materials used (and how to use them); an examination of Indian beadwork designs, their development, significance and uses, with special emphasis on tribal differences; step-by-step instructions on how to make your own beadwork loom, doing loom work and the variations of loom work; appliqu stitches including the lazy stitch, "crow" stitch, running stitch, spot stitch and return stitch; bead wrapping and peyote stitch; how to make rosettes; making beaded necklaces; and, a special section on beadwork edging. The book features examples and photos of beadwork from 1835 to the present time from twenty-three tribes. Photos include beaded articles from the Apache, Arapaho, Assiniboine, Bannock, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Chippewa-Cree, Commanche, Cree, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Huron, Kiowa, Mohawk, Navajo, Ojibiwa, Omaha, Otto, Piaute, Pottawatomi, Sac & Fox, Shoshone, Sioux, Umatilla, Ute, Winnebago and Yakima tribes. There is also a section of notes, a selected bibliography and an index. A time tested best seller. Anyone interested in the craft work of the North American Indian will profit from owning this book.

Beads and Beadwork of the American Indians: A Study Based on Specimens in the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Fouundation (William C. Orchard,)

Price: $16.95
Publisher: Eagles View Publishing ()
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 0943604087

Not only is this book an in-depth study of bead technology, but it considers in greater detail than any similar work the history, use and distribution of North (and South) American beadwork art from prehistoric to relatively modern times. The author pays needed attention to the variety of materials used and the design motifs of finished beadwork, as well as the role of early Europeans, whose colorful trade beads (shown in beautiful color plates) had such a tremendous impact on Indian economics and material culture. Included are discussions, photographs and illustrations of shell, pearl, bone, stone, metal, and trade beads. Wampum is described in great detail and odd forms and materials, which include seed, basketry, wooden, gum, earthenware, dried otter's liver, and native manufacture of glass beads, are also described. There is also a very interesting section on drilling holes in beads. All of the basic techniques of beadwork are explored and illustrated. These include woven beadwork (square weave, bias weave, and net-like weave), sewing techniques and edgings, bead inlays and beaded baskets. There are 16 color plates, 26 black and white plates and 136 figures that include drawings and photographs. The color plates include chevron beads, polychrome trade beads, and outstanding examples of native beadwork from Alaska to Ecuador.