Customer Reviews

Identity by Design: Tradition, Change, and Celebration in Native Women's Dresses

5 star:		(4)
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I am a traditional dance dress artist, although not as prolific (or even as expert) as some of those featured in this book. If I could have given more than 5 stars it would receive them. The photos were beautifully clear, although there only one or two photos of some of the featured dresses, they showed the splendor and detail of artistry from the past. I hope this doesn't spawn more artifakes, especially those coming to the US from overseas. This book is a long-awaited dream come true.

One of the best of it's kind that I have seen in 20 years of researching primitive American artifacts. Detailed research, wonderfully clear photography, great descriptions, excellent documentation.

I can only echo the reviews posted here: this book is a priceless resource for anyone interested in American Indian clothing and decoration, in Indian women's culture, Indian arts and skills, or in the "nuts and bolts" of constructing authentic regalia. I myself am not a costumer but a dollmaker; I visited the exhibition that this wonderful book depicts twice, and I cherish it as a record of that awe-inspiring (literally) roomful of soul-filled dresses. I'm especially impressed that the book includes photos of a Ghost Dance dress, of which photos were not permitted in the museum, and whose presence gave me chills.

This was a good choice for Native American clothing. It helped with ideas on creating new outfits.