Indian Crafts and Skills provides an
excellent study of Indian work, both practical and artistic.
The book not only describes the skills Indians have developed
but gives specific instructins for creating many kinds of
Indian handiwork yourself. The author, a skilled artist and
craftsman, explains the various types of shelters and tools
used by the Indians, as well as the weapons made for warfare or
hunting. Trapping and tracking are vividly described, complete
with diagrams for help in identifying most every kind of wild
animal track. Step-by-step, you can learn brain tanning, the
process of tanning leather that gives the most beautiful
results, then learn how to make authentic Indian clothing -
from elaborate war-bonnets to several varieties of moccasins.
Concise, easy-to-read instructions will tell you all you need
to know about creating Indian fashions. Discover the basics of
the Indian "kitchen," including utensils and cookery, as well
as the many foods comon to the Indian diet: meats and nuts,
fruits and vegetables found in their wild surroundings;
everything from buffalo to grasshoppers. Even drinks and
seasonings used in daily food preparation, and many plants
useful for food and medicine, are illustrated. Dogs, horses,
and boats are cited as the main means of Indian transportation,
and instructions for building saddles, travoises, and canoes
are provided for the ambitious enthusiast of Indian skills. The
book is full of illustrations depicting these items, as well as
the pouchesscabbards, and cases used by the Indians to carry
important personal items, much like their modern-day
counterparts of purses, wallets, suitcases, and baby carriers.
These, too, can be made by the modern outdoorsman in the
authentic and distinctive style of the Indian peoples. Not only
will you discover the practical aspects of Indian livelihood,
but also their methods of adornment and amusement. The beauty
and artistry of Indian jewelry, especially their skillful
geometric beadwork, comes to life in the colorful description
of the art of jewelry-making, an art you can begin learning
through careful study of the chapter devoted to it. Another
chapter takes a look at a variety of Indian games and musical
instruments skillfully created for pure enjoyment. The author
provides a complete list of reference books and supply sources
to help in re-creating the magic and mystery of Indian
handiwork. Indian Crafts and Skills is an authentic and
exciting book for people who wish to share in the heritage of
skill and artistry of a wide variety of Indian tribes. ISBN:
0-882-90274-1, SIZE: 215 pages, Hardback PUBLICATION DATE: May
2003