Author Description

Native American art is the visual language of an extraordinary people, and its objects and images speak eloquently of a rich history and culture. Native American Art Masterpieces tells the story of that language, from its early origins in the Hopewell period that began in 200 B.C. through to modern-day America, with its powerful images by contemporary Native American artists like Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith and Margaret Tafoya. Forty-eight color reproductions, each accompanied by an essay exploring the art's cultural, historical, and ceremonial significance, reveal the deeply rooted traditions and innovative craftsmanship of the Native American aesthetic. In addition to the historic pieces which make up the core of traditional Native American art are works from modern-day masters, the painters and sculptors of the twentieth century. From the turn of the century to the present, Native artists have looked to the past and projected into the future in their efforts to identify "Native Indian art," and, as seen here in the works of artists such as George Longfish and Kay Walkingstick, their search has resulted in a body of work that confronts the issue with uncompromising directness.