Native American Shop

Reviews

The instructions for this pattern could be much clearer. For example, nowhere in supplies lists does it mention interfacing, yet there is a passing reference to "if you're using interfacing." And while there is an explanation about how to gather fabric, there is nothing about making waistbands and the charts for setting in the collar are exteremly unclear. I had google instructions. And adaptaions are mentioned, rather than explained. So even though this pattern is pretty simple, it's probably not for beginners. But it does make a very nice outfit. I live in a traditional Navajo community and got several compliments. Definitely go for the piping on the sleeves--it's not usually done these days but it is traditional and lovely. You could also add some as a front and/or back yoke for extra oomph. Most Navajo skip the placket on the collar these days, and just fasten at the neck with a large brooch. For dress up, the skirt is usually a matching velvet even though cotton is more traditional and more common for everyday wear. Forget the headband; it's goofy (maybe even a little insulting).

Reviews

For a long time I heard little bits and pieces about a poet named Sherman Alexie. I would see his name appear here and there, or a few words speak of him, and then I would lose track. After Smoke Signals came out, I vowed that I would remember Sherman Alexie and read more of what he had to say.Years passed, to my shame. As a writer I was probably afraid on some level to begin reading his work because I had heard of his amazing success at a young age, but more important, his amazing output.I finally decided to get a book, and I chose to buy Old Shirts & New Skins. I absolutely love it. The poems and the stories wonderfully compliment each other and tell a story of identity and pride. I really enjoyed the biting humor. it rang so completely true, I sometimes could not contain myself.Based upon what I have read in this book, I will definately keep reading and buying his books.

This book seems simpler than Alexie's later works, though by no means do I mean that in a literal way. Later works reveal a deep and complex style and voice. This book, an early piece, shows what is to come. Alexie's voice is strong and powerful, with very pointed pieces arranged in creative and innovative ways. This is a stepping-stone book into his heavier works, such as Summer of Black Widows and One Stick Song. You can definitly see where Alexie is going in this book...up.

This book of poetry has a real quality, a sort of grittiness so you know it's true. The poems tie together present miseries with the history of Indian wars. But of course it's not the version of Indian wars we got through the movies; rather it is the untold part, of suffering of native people defending their way of life.I am new to Sherman Alexie and new to American Indian literature; I came upon him through his movie "Smoke Signals." It's very good reading!His writing contains heavy themes, but is light and graceful and has a healing quality. "Shirts" and "Skins" are the team names in pickup baasketball games; "'skins" is how Indians call themselves. I dont know what a "shirt" is - a white guy, probably -- that would fit. There is humor, word play and joy here holding up a world of sadness.

Reviews

If you are interested to know what these fabulous shirts mean to their people then this book is for you.

This is an absolutely wonderful book and one of the BEST I have read on Native American Art. The color plates are exquisite and plentiful. The research is in depth and besides being well written, is reader-friendly. If you are thinking of purchasing this book, you have made a good choice - you will enjoy every time you pick it up.

The cover is undeniably beautiful, but misleading. Of all the shirts in all the collections in the country, the editors managed to find the most unattractive, obscure examples possible. The editors focused on quilled and painted styles. The text is not helfpul, and sounds as if the writer struggled to find something interesting to say about each shirt. One Sioux shirt is included among several blase Crow shirts and even more Blackfeet examples. This book was an expensive disappointment, and I gave it to a library, where I wish I had found it.

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.

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.

Reviews

Being written for young people, Standing Bear's account of his Lakota childhood is necessarily sanitized and romanticized. Its focus is on the domestic life of his people. Mention is often made of the courage of the warriors but there is no description of any military action. An incident is related of an enemy warrior stumbling into the village. We are told that he was well treated and quickly released. It is hard to believe that that was typical treatment of an enemy. Similarly, the more adult themes of courtship and sexuality are largely ignored. What we are left with is a treasure trove of homely detail: how cooking was accomplished in the absence of metal pots, how the boys caught turtles in the creek, what games they played. This is the very warp and weft of everyday life that gets left out of the broad-sweep histories that concentrate on great battles and famous lives. Standing Bear may not always be totally reliable, any more than any other commentator - for example, his account of leather tanning, which was strictly women's work, did not quite ring true for me. (Not that I have ever tanned a buffalo hide - I just doubt it can be done in quite the way he describes). All the same this remains an essential work, packed full as it is of fascinating detail, for anyone interested in understanding the lifestyle of the Sioux, and is a perfect gift for a youngster who expresses an interest in American Indians.