Beads & Beadwork of the American Indian - Softcover

William C. Orchard

9780943604084: Beads & Beadwork of the American Indian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0943604087 ISBN 13: 9780943604084

Publisher: Eagles View Publishing, 2000

The Reprint You Have Been Waiting For! The Eagle's View edition of this classic 1929 reference book has been reformatted for easier reading but the text, plates and illustrations remain as in the 1975 edition (and essentially as presented by the author). This book and Orchard's book on porcupine quill decoration, form the foundation for almost every text on Indian arts and crafts that has been written since their publication and they remain superior to most.

Not only is this book an in-depth study of bead technology, but it considers in greater detail than any similar work the history, use and distribution of North (and South) American beadwork art from prehistoric to relatively modern times. The author pays needed attention to the variety of materials used and the design motifs of finished beadwork, as well as the role of early Europeans, whose colorful trade beads (shown in beautiful color plates) had such a tremendous impact on Indian economics and material culture. Included are discussions, photographs and illustrations of shell, pearl, bone, stone, metal, and trade beads. Wampum is described in great detail and odd forms and materials, which include seed, basketry, wooden, gum, earthenware, dried otter's liver, and native manufacture of glass beads are also described. There is also a very interesting section on drilling holes in beads.

All of the basic techniques of beadwork are explored and illustrated. These include woven beadwork (square weave, bias weave, and net-like weave), sewing techniques and edgings, bead inlays and beaded baskets. There are 16 color plates, 26 black and white plates and 136 figures which include drawings and photographs. The color plates include chevron beads, polychrome trade beads, and outstanding examples of native beadwork from Alaska to Ecuador. Don't miss out on this reprint of a classic Native American reference book that will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in beads, American Indian culture or creating their own beadwork.

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About the Author:

"William C. Orchard, a gifted artist, was born in England around 1865, came to the United States, worked for a short period at the American Museum of Natural History, and then entered the private employ of Dr. Heye. Upon the founding of the Museum of the American Indian in 1916, Mr. Orchard became preparator, continuing in this capacity until his retirement in 1935. He died in 1948. His genius in repairing and restoring specimens was remarkable, and he enjoyed a well-earned reputation throughout the museum world for his skill in creating models and dioramas of native scenes. His son, Fred, was also a preparator, serving on the staff of the Peabody Museum, Harvard University, for many years." (From the foreword to the 1975 edition by Frederick J. Dockstader).

William C. Orchard also wrote The Technique of Porcupine Quill Decoration Among The Indians of North America which was first published in 1916. This in depth study of a craft that is unique to the Indians of North America was reprinted in 1971 by the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation and they cooperated with the publishing of an Eagle's View edition in 1982. That edition has been reprinted six times, a testament to the enduring reference value of Orchard's work.

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