The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths (Civilization of the American Indian Series, Vol 25)

Rating:
Summary: albeit few pictures, best account of pre-1940 silverwork.
Review: The book describes many facets involved in the creation of Pueblo Indian jewelry. This book is quite possibly the best and perhaps only scholarly work that explains jewelry making from the Indian perspective. The book gives much insight into the conditions on pre-1940 reservations and the trade practices that gave rise to "dead pawn" jewelry. This book is a must for serious collectors and those seeking thorough research. However, the book gives very little attention to the Harvey phenomenon, preferring to deal more directly with traditional Native American art (i.e. the jewelry that the creators would wear on themselves).

Rating:
Summary: albeit few pictures, best account of pre-1940 silverwork.
Review: The book describes many facets involved in the creation of Pueblo Indian jewelry. This book is quite possibly the best and perhaps only scholarly work that explains jewelry making from the Indian perspective. The book gives much insight into the conditions on pre-1940 reservations and the trade practices that gave rise to "dead pawn" jewelry. This book is a must for serious collectors and those seeking thorough research. However, the book gives very little attention to the Harvey phenomenon, preferring to deal more directly with traditional Native American art (i.e. the jewelry that the creators would wear on themselves).

Rating:
Summary: a very comprehensive text
Review: the book gives in both words and photos the entire history of native silversmithing from its inception to the mid 1940 when the book was frst published. An excellent companion book to one of the many books written on comtemporary native american jewelery making.