Beading in the Native American Tradition [Paperback]

David Dean (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002

Full-color photographs illustrate the rich art of Native American beadwork in this combination practical how-to and coffee-table book. A historical perspective explains how and why beadwork is produced and what techniques are popular today. Clear and concise directions show how to produce beadwork in the Native American tradition, including lane stitch, loom, appliqué, gourd stitch, and Comanche brickwork. An illustrated gallery showcases historical and contemporary beadwork. Also included is information on research, tools, and materials.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beadwork decoration, which spread throughout the Native American tribes of North America as a result of contact with European traders, is now considered a traditional craft. Dean, a bead worker and teacher of Choctaw descent, describes the materials and techniques of Native American beadwork as practiced over the past 230 years. The book contains projects demonstrating the use of various stitches, information on collecting traditional beadwork, and photographs of finished pieces from the collection of Charles Eagle Plume. A good working manual, this volume brings together much information on a popular topic and will be welcome in all crafts or folk art collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...an impressive book." - The Bead Society of Greater Chicago

"...works range from the historical to the humorous...there is much to be passionate about here." - Textile Fibre Forum

"A keeper and a superb choice for gifts." - The Beadwrangler.com book reviews

"Clear explanations and instructions will help the collector identify old work, and the craftsman to pursue new paths with authenticity." - Indian Country Today

"This is a marvelous book...a welcome addition to the library of any serious beader." - The Bead Society of New Jersey

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499039
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499033
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #549,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Best book???? ... Not this one!, February 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Beading in the Native American Tradition (Paperback)

OK, another nice book with nice illustrations, and nice instructions. But to be honest, I was sorry for the money I had wasted on a book that I had hoped to complement "Native American Beadwork: Traditional Beading Techniques for the Modern-Day Beadworker" by Georg J. Barth which has been around for almost ten years now (Stevens Point, WI: Schneider Publishers 1993, available through Amazon.com). David Dean's book, however, doesn't add substantially to my knowledge of Native American beading; a lot of cultural or tribal attribution of the objects shown is wrong though anyone only superficially familiar with tribal styles could make a better guess!

Barth's book is a much better source of information if you really want to learn how to bead in the Native American tradition; it's become a classic and has been quoted in the latest volume on Plains Indians of the Smithsonian "Handbook of North American Indians."

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best bead book you can get, July 5, 2002

By 

redfox49 "chowke" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beading in the Native American Tradition (Paperback)

If you can only have one book on Native American beadwork, this is the one to have. It is filled with wonderful illustrations and instructions on doing your own beadwork. Even better, the illustrations show a gallery of old and modern beadwork to inspire you. The text is lucid and carries the reader along through history and technique. The writer, himself a Native American artist, conveys his deep love of his art. A great read and a marvelous textbook. Get this one!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!, August 3, 2002

By 

Esprit64 "Esprit64" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beading in the Native American Tradition (Paperback)

I am new to Native American beading and was very pleased to purchase David Dean's book. Beautifully photographed, wonderful examples explaining the culture of choices in historical work, excellent instruction for planning and crafting contemporary projects. I especially enjoyed Mr. Dean's background material on Native tribes as it related to their beadwork. I came away from the book not only with a best understanding of how Native American beadwork is done but with a sincere appreciation and respect for the peoples who mastered the craft.