Customer Reviews

Faces from the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition

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Today we were privileged to obtain, view and read Ben and Linda Marra's new, 176 page hardcover book, Faces from the Land: Twenty Years of POWWOW Tradition, a 20 year retrospective with 155 full-color photographs published by Harry N. Abrams of New York. It is a beautiful photographic and journalistic epic work documenting the members of over 87 Native American tribes in POWWOW dress. It is a "must buy" for anyone interested in these mystical and fascinating people.

We are fortunate to have known Ben and Linda for more than a quarter of a century. For over twenty years, Seattle photographer Ben Marra has created a masterful body of singular photographic art depicting Native Americans across the U.S. and in Canada in traditional, colorful POWWOW ceremonial regalia! Ben's work is one of a kind and has been compared to the great Native American photographer, Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952). The focus of the portraits are the men, women and children of the POWWOW shown in their elaborate, majestic, traditional regalia; some posing, some dancing, all projecting stately, dignified cultural pride.

Ben's photographs have been featured in numerous museums, books, and national magazines, and were included in Handbook of North American Indians, a 20-volume encyclopedia published by the Smithsonian Institution. Ben and his wife, Linda, live in Seattle and attend Native American POWWOWs all over the Western United States, and somehow Linda gets them to pose for Ben's incredible portraits and to write personal narratives. Ben is the photographer and Linda is the documentarian. Native American people are very, very reluctant to permit photographs, but Ben and Linda have gained their trust. The POWWOW portraits are one of a kind and no other photographer has been able to document such beautiful and unique images. Each year Ben and Linda create an exquisite 18-month calendar with a different photographic portrait for each month.

The Marras' traveling exhibition, Faces from the Land: A Photographic Journey through Native America, has been shown at numerous museums around the United States including a 13-month exhibit at Joslyn Art Museum in connection with Omaha's elite Bodmer Society. Ben Marra was chosen to display his photographs in some of the major cities along the Lewis & Clark Trail as part of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration (2003-2006). The shows were a major success.

Ron Perey, J.D.
Janice Perey, R.N.
Seattle, Washington

This book chronicles twenty years of Powwow history with photographs that come alive in beautiful detail accompanied by personal narratives of historical significance.

Ben and Linda Marra have composed an important publication. Their efforts are an exceptional addition to insuring that the dancing tradition is honored and furthered by the efforts of younger generations of Powwow participants.

A lasting legacy for your library of exceptional quality and importance.

Douglas R. Berg DDS
Marcia Lee Berg

This is one of those wonderful books that use prose and images to celebrate those who are very much the spirit of this country. I've ordered several more to place in our law firm waiting room and to give to Gonzaga University's diversity program for use in its endeavors. Wonderful book.

A fascinating depiction (and ultimate) preservation of Native American culture. The photography is, of course, exceptional, particularly when you learn how quickly these photos were taken. And the production and printing values are of superior quality. But the more remarkable aspects of this remarkable collection are the Marra's ability, as non-Native Americans, to gain the trust and access to make these Powwow portraits a reality. Their efforts have provided Americans a book of historical and artistic significance.

"Faces From the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition" is a stunning, full color, photographic essay collection of North American Indian powwow dancers in full ceremonial dress. Photographic documentary team members Ben and Linda Marra compiled formal photographs and personal stories of dancers at powwows across North America since 1988. At each ceremonial event, photographer Ben Marra sets up a temporary studio and invites dancers to be photographed while Linda records the individual's story of the costume and regalia and the dance celebrated, as well as some personal history. Family, heritage, tribal traditions and customs, all are reflected and woven in to each narrative with pride. The result is over 173 pages of beautiful portraits and narratives. In addition to spectacle and color, a great deal of sacrifice is included and honored in each dancer's appearance. Many friends and family have labored many hours to create the full effect of each complete costume. In fact the costumed dancers are sacred representations of ancestral dreams and traditions or connections. Thus the photographs of both the dancers and the dance are documentaries of spirit and spiritual awareness. It takes a fine degree of sensitivity to even begin this daunting task. There is an underlying tone of reverence that permeates the documentary. It is haunting, and beautiful, warm and very human. "Faces From the Land" is a collection that transcends art and cultural or individual history. It's central offering enriches our awareness of human spirituality and life. It is a magnificent offering.

Nancy Lorraine
Reviewer

This is a excellent pictorial of regalia of the Native American Indian and gives a bit of insight into the subjects of the photos themselves.It is one of the few books I would enjoy looking at over and over again. Well worth getting for anyone who enjoys this subect.

photographs are done very well. don't think there are many books out there on this subject matter and done this well. high image quality.

This book has the most stunning photos of Native Americans in full make-up and costume. The short bios/info that accompany each photo are wonderful as well. This book is a treasure and worth double the cost.

A contemporary look...certainly not what the natives were wearing before contact...the photography is simply done and adequate...I wish I could return it.