Book Reviews of Indiancraft.

"Both authors wished not to supplant the many books on the subject, but to update methods for the production of Indian crafts. Indeed, this writer agrees with the authors that the books by Ben W. Hunt are probably the best starting point for anyone wishing to try their hand at Indian arts and crafts. But today there are difficulties in obtaining some of the natural raw materials that were once commonly available. And this title under review offers viable alternatives from materials as well as the presentation of multitribal styles. Their hope was to present this information in a more modern format to allow contemporary Native Americans and anyone interested in the subject to produce items that would be found in contemporary society. Thus, one will find instructions for the construction of both traditional garments as well as those in contemporary vogue.

"Included are basic designs for both the plains and woodland Indians, instructions for making both circular and straight leather strippers, suggestions on where to find rawhide, leather, fur, and wood. But the title's major emphasis is to present construction details for such things as the warbonnet and its carrying case, headbands, roach headdresses, men's leather and ribbon shirts, moccasins, chokers, breastplates, bead and quill work, gorgets and several types of necklaces. Covered as well are instructions for making bows and arrows, decorated scabbards, and Hopi rabbit sticks as well as the throwing stick.

"Of special importance is the inclusion of items associated with the dance and social gatherings: anklets, dance bustles, women's cloth dance dresses, dance shawls, beaded baseball hats, the fan, cuffs, flutes, bullroarers, and the ceremonial lance. There is enough information on each article's construction to allow most any reader to get an idea how something could be made within most anyone's budget. For those items which do require a large amount of funds and time, the authors correctly caution the reader to be sure that the item is really worth the investment. For the price, Indiancraft itself would be a worthwhile investment." (Chuck Hamsa, Black Powder Times, July 1995, vol. 22, no. 7, p. 11)