CARVING

CP 840 - CARVING THE NATIVE AMERICAN FACE by Terry Kramer

A step by step guide for the carver to create realistic Native American faces. 8.5 X 11, 64 pgs., full color photographs, paperback. $ 14.95 + s/h 

WH - 98368-4 TOTEM POLE CARVING by Norman Tait

The totem pole-in all its power and beauty-is a distinctive and widely recognized form of traditional Northwest Coast Native art. Once nearly lost, this art form is alive and thriving today. In this unique book, Vickie Jensen collaborates with renowned Nisga'a artist Norman Tait and his crew of young carvers to document the actual process of bringing a log to life. The intimate text and 125 photographs capture the charged atmosphere in which the pole is carved-the smell of fresh cedar chips, the long days and blistered hands, the camaraderie, the pride in solving problems, the ever-present awareness of tradition, the joy of creation.  Norman Tait teaches his apprentices that carving a pole requires more than time and labor, more than artistic and emotional commitment, more than a grasp of tools and techniques. The process invoves their cultural background and very being. The apprentices must make their own carving tools, design their regalia, and practice traditional songs, dances, and drumming. All these experiences culminate in the traditional ceremonies to celebrate the raising of the completed totem pole.  185 pages, 128 photos. Paper   $26.95 + S/H

WH - 81041-6 TOTEM POLES - An Illustrated Guide.  The massive wood carvings unique to the Indian peoples of the Northwest Coast arouse a sense of wonder in all who see them. This guide helps the readr to understand and enjoy the form and meaning of totem poles and other sculptures. Among the illustrations are archival photographs which show the poles in their original settings - on deserted pebble beaches and in front of the now decayed houses which once stood in thriving villages. The author describes the origin and place of totem poles in Indian culture - as ancestral emblems, as expressions of wealth and power, as ceremonial objects, as mythological symbols, and as magnificent artistic works of the people of the Pacific Northwest. She also suggests ways to interpret the motifs and symbols carved on the poles and shows how to recognize the special features which reveal not only the skill of the carver but also his tribal origin. The works of contemporary artists such as Bill Reid illustrate the change from traditional designs to innovative forms that convey a new and different cultural dimension.  64pages, 81 photos, 6 in color. Soft Cover. Price: $22.00 + s/h

WH - 97022-6 From the Land of the Totem Poles

In 1943 French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss arrived in New York City, along with countless refugees from the war in Europe. He became a frequent visitor to the North Pacific Hall at the American Museum of Natural History where he could lose himself in what he affectionately called "a magic place where the dreams of childhood hold a rendezvous, where century-old tree trunks sing and speak, where undefinable objects watch out for the visitor, with the anxious stare of human faces, where animals of superhuman gentleness join their little paws like hands in prayer." Two and a half million people now visit the Museum each year to share in these enchantments.
 
 The American Museum houses the most extensive collection of Northwest Coast Indian art in existence. It includes material from virtually every Indian group that once lived along the west coast of British Columbia and Alaska. In this book, Dr. Aldona Jonaitis traces the history of this magnificent collection, beginning in the late nineteenth century before those coastal peoples had much contact with Europeans, and their customs, languages, and art were still intact. Shortly after the collections was formed, between 1880 and 1910, Indian culture in this region went into a severe decline, to be revived a half century later as another generation of North Americans discovered their heritage.
 
 The story alternately captivates and distresses. Populations were decimated by disease in the last years of the nineteenth century, art objects left their makers' hands bound for museums all over the world, traditional rituals were outlawed, and governments exerted strong pressures on the Indians to become assimilated. On the other side of the story are the individuals - like Franz Boas, under whose direction much of the Museum collection was assembled, Lt. George Thornton Emmons, who immersed himself in the native cultures, George Hunt, prized Kwakiutl informant for Boas and other researchers, and Charles Edenshaw, master Haida carver and painter - whose colorful lives intersect the Age of Museum Collecting.
 
 Artifacts in the American Museum come alive through the details Dr. Jonaitis provides of their cultural context, their traditional uses, and their acquisition by collectors. Viewers see spoons and bowls that held food eaten by Boas at a potlatch; feel the spirit power emanating from a shaman's charm removed from its owner's grave by Lieutenant Emmons; sense the sadness behind the display of family crests on a house model carved by Edenshaw.
 
 Nearly 100 color plates in the book and numerous historical photographs from the American Museum of Natural History archives recall a bygone era and are a tribute to the stunning artworks of the North Pacific region. Dr. Jonaitis has written the first book devoted solely to the collection of Northwest Coast Indian art in the American Museum of Natural History. As such, the book is both an essential work for scholars and a valuable resource for the general reader. 272 pp, 182 illus., 96 in color, biblio, index, Paper. Price: $45.00 + s/h

This book is sold out, however, we may locate a copy with rare and out-of-print dealers.  Email us.

CRADLE BOARDS

BRAVE HEARTS THEIR CRADLES

By Richard Janulewicz   

A beautiful pictorial of cradleboards from 10 cultural areas with 83 tribal cradles shown with a discussion of the materials used. A must for collectors. 184 pp, 93 color and 91 b&w photos, index, biblio.  194-X Paper.  New lower price:  Was $45.95 reduced to: $27.99 + s/h 

Also See Cradle Board Videos

FEATHER MAKING

CP - 626  THE ART OF SIMULATING EAGLE FEATHERS  NEW!

With step-by step descriptions and color photos the author shares more than 20 years of experience in creating imitation Golden and Bald Eagle feathers which can be used in place of the real thing. All of the materials used are easy to obtain. The feathers are perfect for headdresses, bustles, scalp-locks roach feathers, decorations, etc. where the now illegal eagle feathers were traditionally used. 8 1/2 x 11, 32 pgs., color illus., materials list, paperback.  $ 11.95 + s/h

WH – 1690-0  FOCUS ON FEATHERS   NEW!

This comprehensive new book covers every facet of producing top quality feather work. Beginning with a gallery of full color photos of hundreds of real feathers, the author takes you through the selection, straightening, trimming, splicing, and extending the feathers in preparation for dyeing and painting. Various types of eagle, hawk, owl and flicker feathers are covered, providing the techniques and tricks needed to produce top quality feathers. The second half of the book is devoted to comprehensive instructions for a dozen projects, including a warbonnet, traditional bustle, roach and hair feathers, wing and tail fans, and more. 96 pp. color throughout.  Paper. $19.95 + s/h

GENERAL CRAFTS

CP 667- MEDICINE WHEELS 

By Virginia Tucker  

Learn to make over 30 legendary American Indian accessories. Fun and easy to use. Profusely illustrated.  $ 29.95  + s/h   

SOLD OUT  If you want this book, send us an email

CP 005- ARTS AND CRAFTS OF THE CHEROKEE 

by Rodney Leftwich

For centuries the Cherokee people have been renowned for their fine craft work. Presented here are examples of Cherokee baskets, pottery, woodcraft, beadwork, and more. Text describes the methods and techniques Cherokee craftsmen use.  $ 13.95 + s/h

CP 092 -  NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN DESIGNS FOR ARTISTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE  $ 13.95 + s/h

CP TR-12 -  NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN DESIGNS IRON ON TRANSFER PATTERNS

Versatile transfer patterns adapted from 118 authentic Indian motifs ranging from abstract designs to depictions of human, animal and mythical figures, totem poles and other cultural and religious symbols.  Patterns vary in size and shape and are ideal for use in embroidery, fabric painting, wood burning and other crafts.  With easy-to-follow instructions.  $ 6.95 + s/h

CP 034 -  AUTHENTIC INDIAN DESIGNS 

by Maria Naylor
Largest collection anywhere: 2,500 authentic illustrations of bowls, bottles and pipes; geometric and floral patterns on beadwork, pictographs, symbolic tipi decorations, masks, basket weaves, Hopi katchina figures, Zuni and Navaho sand paintings, totem poles, hide paintings, much more. 219 pages, paperback. 8 1/8" x 11".

On Sale: Was $ 23.95

Now only 16.95 + s/h

CP 569 -  SYMBOLS OF NATIVE AMERICANS

Hundreds of illustrations show the fascinating origins and meanings of 300 symbols and signs used by the Native American tribes. They were found in pottery, clothing, masks, shields, totems and almost all thier articles of everyday use. 5.5 X 8, 478 pages, well illustrated paperback.  $16.95 + s/h  OUT OF STOCK  -- Send us an email if you want this book. 

CP 147 -  INDIAN DESIGNS

This collection of 48 large Indian designs, developed by cultures centuries old, can be used for ceramics, scout projects, metal work, carving, and weaving.  $ 10.95 + s/h

FLINT KNAPPING

OS09425- FLINTKNAPPING: The Art of Making Stone Tools

By Paul Hellwig

Extensive how-to section with photos and drawings. The history of flint knapping and various types of stones are discussed in detail. $ 29.95 + s/h

No picture available

CP 499 - ART OF FLINT KNAPPING 

by David Christopher Waldorf

With a good mixture of pictures, charts, diagrams and text the author teaches the reader the art of flint working with flint.  All stages of collecting flint, preparing tools, reduction strategies, and knapping are covered.  Probably the best book available on the subject.  8.5" X 11", 76 pages.  Illustrated.  Paperback. $17.95  

GOURD MAKING

CP 573- COMPLETE BOOK OF GOURD CRAFT 

by Ginger Summit and Jim A Widess
22 Projects * 55 Decorative Techniques * 300 Inspirational Designs. "...gourds with brightly painted faces and figures recently have become popular items at craft sales....This book covers growing, harvesting, and curing as well as crafting and finishing....[Gourds] can be cut, incised, painted, and embellished....presented by experienced gourd crafters, cover all techniques of dealing with gourds."--Library Journal. 8 1/2 X 10. (all in color), 144 pages, Paperback. $ 19.95 + s/h

OS08069- GOURD CRAFTS FOR THE FIRST TIME 

by Marilynn Host
Decorating gourds is everybody's favorite craft, as you'll see from the more than two-dozen varied projects shown here. A handy guide tells you where to find, buy, and prepare gourds, and how to decorate them with leather-dye, egg-dye, paint, shoe polish, découpage, airbrushing, waxed linen, dyed raffia, and beads. Hundreds of projects. 8 1/2 X 10. all in color, 112 pages, Hardbound.  $ 19.95 + s/h

OS08069- GOURDS IN YOUR GARDEN By Ginger Summit
Whether you're a seasoned gardener enchanted with gourds' lush vines and unusually shaped fruit or a crafter in search of the perfect gourd for a specific project, this easy-to-use primer takes the mystery out of growing them. Largely ignored by most gardening books, gourd plants require specific attention to produce healthy vines and satisfactory fruit. Learn how to: identify popular gourd shapes; plan and cultivate your garden
grow, train, and harvest a bountiful crop; control pests and disease with natural remedies; prepare your gourds for use--in recipes and art projects. Gardeners-and crafters: take the mystery out of growing gourds! Paperback, 128pp $ 19.95 + s/h

MASKS

CP 754- CHEROKEE MASKS
Long ago Cherokee told stories in dance. They wrapped themselves in colorful blankets and wore masks to represent people, feelings, and animals that shared their world. The masks had exaggerated features such as extra-long noses, big bushy eyebrows, or horns to represent characters in the stories. The most popular Cherokee masks are represented here for children to color and do lessons in matching, mazes, completing sentences, connecting dots, counting, spelling, and more. For ages 5-8 years. 32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11. $ 5.95 + s/h

POTTERY

OS087961- MAKING NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY
Michael Simpson tells in easy-to-understand steps, according to traditional methods, how to gather and process clay, form several types of Native American pots, make designs and finishes, slip and decorate, and burnish and fire pottery without using a kiln. Simpson (part Cherokee and Yakima) was taught by Doris Blue, a Catawba master potter. Fully illustrated with color and black and white photographs. $ 14.95 + s/h

SEWING

CP 589 - NATIVE AMERICAN CROSS STITCH 

by Julie Hasler
Original designs from every corner of the Amerindian nations are skillfully adapted to make up a range of projects for the home, including a rug based on a Navajo pattern and a bed throw adapted from sand painting pictures. Authentic items to make include a sun catcher and a Cree bag, detailed pictures capture scenes from traditional life. 128 pages Paperback. 0.31" x 10.86" x 8.18".  $ 23.95  + s/h OUT OF STOCK If you want this book, send us an email

TANNING

WH-590-0 Indian Rawhide: An American Folk Art
by Mable Morrow

First published in 1975 and last available in 1993, this definitive study has long been the primary resource on the unique American Indian art form of parfleche production.  This book includes detailed discussions on methods of preparation, tool usage and tribal decorations and is essential for anyone interested in collecting or reproducing rawhide containers. Of special interest is a chart of parfleche design characteristics, so that articles can be identified according to tribe or area. Includes 55 photographs, 80 color pattern designs, 74 drawings. 256 pages. Softcover. $ 29.50 + s/h

CP 261 - HOW TO TAN SKINS THE INDIAN WAY 

by Evard H. Gibby, Montejon and Monte Smith  

This exciting Eagle's View publication explains everything you ever wanted to know about brain tanning as it was done by Native Americans. Brain tanning is the process of mechanically separating the fibers of the hide, lubricating them with oils from the brain tissue and making them water resistant by the application of smoke. It is the ideal method for home tanners.   This fully illustrated book features clear, simple, step-by-step instructions for tanning all kinds of skins, with and without the hair. Methods described include: making buckskin (including fleshing, removing the hair, braining the skin, and breaking and drying the skin); tanning rabbit and sheepskins with the hair or fur on; and smoking the skins. Techniques for making rabbit skin ropes and rabbit rope blankets and a special section on primitive clothing are also provided. The appendices contain information on constructing many of the tools used and suggestions on tanning without brains. Brain tanned leather is far superior to chemically tanned leather for use in native American crafts such as beading and porcupine quillwork, or any work which requires stitching on leather.  The high cost of brain tanned leather makes learning the technique a very attractive alternative. This book will be invaluable to anyone interested in traditional skills of the American Indian or survival skills, and to those who enjoy making and wearing their own craftwork.  Soft Cover, 28pp.  $16.95 + s/h

WEAVING 

OS157178-  NAVAJO WEAVING TRADITION 

by Alice Kaufman & Christopher Selser
This is the definitive book on Navajo textile art, presenting the stunning artistry of esteemed Navajo weavers in over 200 beautiful color plates and historical halftones. Art collectors value not only the beauty of these weavings but also their investment potential, which has risen sharply in recent years. Navajo textiles are outstanding examples of both historic and contemporary primitive art, avidly sought after and collected for more than two hundred years. Back in print after two years, The Navajo Weaving Tradition is a detailed history of this unique art form. 140 pp, 8 ½ x 11, 200 color photos. Soft Cover  $ 39.95 + s/h

CRAFT KITS

CP K-BL AMERICAN INDIAN BEAD LOOM KIT  NEW!

Complete with loom, beads, thread, needles, pattern and graph paper for doing one's own beaded headbands, belts, bracelets and other items. Loom is made of durable metal with large 6" X 2.5" beading area  Strips of any length are easily made. Instructions are fully illustrated.  $11.95 + s/h

CP FW- FINGER WEAVING KIT

All you need to get started the easy way is included with this kit. Turn your finger weaving crafts fun into profits at powwows and other events. $ 9.95 + s/h

If you are interested in the American Indian and in particular the material culture of the American Indian: Past & Present, WHISPERING WIND is the magazine for you.  Since 1967 we've helped our readers bring the tradition home and help keep the tradition alive. 

One year is $25.00

Two years is $40.00

Foreign:

One year $40.00