Southwestern Indian Jewelry [Hardcover]

Dexter Cirillo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1992

The introduction of this book provides a brief history of the Southwest identifying the relevant tribes. The first chapter encompasses prehistoric beads, pendants and mosaics, as well as contemporary bead and mosaic work by the Santo Domingo Pueblo and carved jewelry by the Zuni. Chapter two focuses on the most familiar aspect of Indian jewlry: squash-blossom necklaces, concha belts, silver buckles etc. The 100-year history of Navajo, Hopi and Zuni silver work is recounted, and examples of new vqriations on traditional forms are explored. Chapter three begins with the inventive art of Charles Loloma, a Hopi artist who was the first to transform traditional jewelry by using unusual stones, exotic woods, gold, and semiprecious gems. His vivid work has inspired succeeding generations of artists, whose innovative creations are presented here. The final chapter is devoted to enabling collectors to collect wisely, and its features an extensive illustrated glossary of materials, techniques, objects and designs. There is also a directory of sources of Southwestern Indian jewelry.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Since prehistoric times, the native peoples of the Southwestern part of what is now the United States have used turquoise and shell, symbols of sky and water, in the jewelry they have made for personal adornment. Cirillo outlines how Native Americans worked other stones into this artistic vocabulary and how they borrowed silver and silversmithing from the Spanish in the 19th century. She traces the delicate relationship between traditional design and the demands of trade; the techniques usually associated with Navaho, Zuni, and Hopi artists; and the contemporary sharing and swapping of creative ideas. Much of the splendidly illustrated jewelry here is made by family groups who share both design and execution responsibilities; and though much of it is museum quality, none of it is unwearable. Cirillo ends with a glossary and a list of reputable dealers throughout the country (she includes New York's best gallery, so her sources are sound). Excellent for collectors and for those who seek to define the dance between art and commerce.
- GraceAnne A. DeCandido, "School Library Journal"
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Press; 1St Edition edition (July 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558592822
• ISBN-13: 978-1558592827
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 10.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Folk Art
  • #82 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Jewelry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one book on American Indian jewelery you must own., August 15, 1999

By 

Kenneth Troy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Southwestern Indian Jewelry (Hardcover)

As a collector of Indian art, jewelery, pottery and rugs, I had the wonderful good fortune to know and consider the Hopi Master jeweler Charles Loloma my friend.

Finding a book on American Indian jewelery was almost impossible to come by until this great book by Dexter came out in 1992. The artists, their work in magnificent color will move anyone to want to own some of this jewelry.

From it's beginings late in the 19th century jewelery was the Indian method of carrying their wealth around in the form of necklaces, braclets etc, Indian jewery was mainly of two schools. Most prominent was the Navajo and the other Zuni.

Then in the mid 1960's came a Hopi indian Charles Loloma. He was the Picasso that was going to revolutionize American Indian jewelery and he did. This book is a testament to Charlie's followers who now produce jewlery that is both modern and magnificant. Buy the book then go out to an Indian Art shop anywhere in CA, AZ, NM or even NJ and you will not be able to resist owning someting.

5.0 out of 5 stars Southwestern Indian Jewelry, September 4, 2008

By 

J. Herman "Gem Nut" (Hilliard, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southwestern Indian Jewelry (Hardcover)

Dexter Cirillo's first book on Native American Indian Jewelry is a must for any collector. Includes many photographs of jewelry and artists, along with valuable information everyone can use to purchase beautiful Native jewelry.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Favorite..............., January 14, 2007

By 

Isis Turquoise (OKC, OK USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Southwestern Indian Jewelry (Hardcover)

I wanted this book for some time. I must say, I love it and don't know why I did not buy it sooner. An all time favorite of mine for sure.