- Paperback: 160 pages
- Publisher: University of Minnesota Press (29 Mar 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0816639477
- ISBN-13: 978-0816639472
- Product Dimensions: 30.6 x 24.2 x 1.4 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,611,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Book Description
To the Plains Indians of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, elaborately decorated hide shirts were symbols of bravery earned only by the most courageous of warriors. Those who had met the enemy in battle or slipped undetected into enemy camps to capture horses were awarded shirts specifically created to honor the wearer and the heroic deeds associated with him. Made from the skins of elk, deer, or mountain sheep, these spectacular garments were adorned with porcupine quills, paint, ribbons, locks of hair, and glass beads. Believed to hold intrinsic spiritual power, these shirts continue to play a large part in American Indian society today. Symbolizing honor, courage, and ancestral tradition, they are worn by tribal leaders at powwows and earned by students according to their academic and athletic accomplishments.
Beauty, Honor, and Tradition, a traveling exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, presents a new perspective on these garments, their creation and history, and their place in the cultures of the Plains Indian tribes. Through photographs and detailed descriptions of fifty-three representative shirts crafted from the 1820s to the 1990s, this book explores the complex relationship between the shirts, their makers, and their wearers. Throughout the text the voices of individual Plains Indians speak of the personal and cultural significance of these magnificent garments.
Joseph D. Horse Capture is assistant curator in the Department of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. They are coauthors of Warrior Artists (1998).
George P. Horse Capture is deputy assistant director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian, and author of Powwow (1992).
Distributed for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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Amazon.com:
6 reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
magnificent, breathtaking
7 May 2003
Format:Paperback
over the past several years, i have read and acquired a good number of books about indian beadwork. all have included at least one or two war shirts. none of them prepared me for the overwhelming impact of this book.
war shirts were given to the men of the plains nations for remarkable courage and character and for impressive deeds. the shirts would be transferred to other men of equal standing. the designs were worked by women who were unusually talented in quill and bead embroidery. occasionally, the design of the shirt would be directed by the man to wear it, based on his dreams/visions.
since it is oversized, the book allows larger, more detailed photos of the shirts. quillwork, paint, beads and other materials show up clearly. the workmanship is stunning, the designs are magnificent. the use of materials is inspirational. the examples range from the early 19th century to contemorary shirts.
the text, aside from a couple of areas where the proofreader failed miserably in his job, is almost as interesting as the shirts. this is not to insult the authors. no words could equal the shirts. there are also quotes from contemporary indians about the shirts that are interesting and illuminating.
if this book had been published by abrams, the price would have been at least doubled. given the quality of the photos, that fact alone is worth a couple of stars.
this is a must for anyone interested in indian beadwork, history or art and for anyone interested in beauty and great design of any origin.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
The photos tell it all!
26 Nov 2007
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
What a beautiful book! As an artist and a painter I often rely on photos to give me historical detail. This book is the best I have ever seen for native american clothing. Each turn of the page shows a high definition close-up including a very informative description of not only the item but insights into it's making, purpose and meaning. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to visually examine native american clothing. Newer examples of current native clothing artists are included. I appreciated this additional insight as well. I learned much from this book and it will be a valuable addition to my reference library.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
good for the heart
4 Jan 2007
Format:Paperback
stunningly beautiful photos of amazing shirts.
graphic detail makes this book a must for anyone interested in the indians of the plains.
these shirts are truly works of art and by just looking at them you can feel all the mystical and magical power that they evoked then and still do today.
useful text accompanies the photos,highly recommended!!!!
simon mote.
graphic detail makes this book a must for anyone interested in the indians of the plains.
these shirts are truly works of art and by just looking at them you can feel all the mystical and magical power that they evoked then and still do today.
useful text accompanies the photos,highly recommended!!!!
simon mote.
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