Native North American Art

This exciting investigation explores the indigenous arts of the US and Canada from the early pre-contact period to the present day, stressing the conceptual and iconographic continuities over five centuries and across an immensely diverse range of regions. The richness of Native American art
is emphasized through discussions of basketry, wood and rock carvings, dance masks, and beadwork, alongside the contemporary vitality of paintings and installations by modern artists such as Robert Davidson, Emmi Whitehorse, and Alex Janvier. Authors Berlo and Philips fully incorporate substantive
new research and scholarship, and examine such issues as gender, representation, the colonial encounter, and contemporary arts. By encompassing both the sacred and secular, political and domestic, the ceremonial and commercial, Native North American Art shows the importance of the visual arts in
maintaining the integrity of spiritual, social, political, and economic systems within Native North American societies.

The richness of Native American art is explored from the early pre-Columbian period to the present day, stressing the conceptual and iconographic continuities over five centuries and across an immensely diverse range of regions. 53 color photos. 104 halftones. 8 maps.

"The best guide yet to understanding the complexities of Native North American art....a solidly ground, sophisticated history, combining art history, anthropology, and cultural studies...splendidly well-written...useful and timely."--Gerald McMaster, Curator of Art, Canadian Museum of
Civilization

"An outstanding new volume in the Oxford History of Art series. Designed to introduce readers to the depth and diversity of Native regional art, it is also a highly readable introduction to Native North American history and anthropology."--Foreword

"A fine statement, covering in fewer than 300 pages the artistic output of most Native American tribes across the northern hemisphere over a period of more than eight centuries.... Illustrations are especially fresh, varied, and well chosen."--Library Journal

"Nicely organized and clearly written-- very good illustrations."--Pat McDonald, Calhoun Community College

"This book has it all--a fresh, readable style, wonderful supporting photos and diagrams, and it's inexpensive. Berlo and Phillips also present a holistic view of Native American Art--just as it should be. Brava!"--Helen Barnes, Wichita State University

"An excellent textbook--politically aware and well-written. An especially good bibliographic essay. One of the best aspects of this text is the integration of arts from all periods--ancient through contemporary."--Matthew Looper, California State University at Chico

"An excellent book which includes information on various ethical issues surrounding the collection, display, and documentation of native American arts."--Maude Wahlman, University of Missouri, Kansas City