Alaska Native Art: Tradition, Innovation, Continuity

by Susan W. Fair, Jean Blodgett (Editor)

Overview

The rich artistic traditions of Alaska Natives are the subject of this landmark volume, which examines the work of the premier Alaska artists of the twentieth century. Ranging across the state from the islands of the Bering Sea to the interior forests, Alaska Native Art provides a living context for beadwork, ivory carving, basketry, and skin sewing. Examples of work from Tlingit, Aleutian Islanders, Pacific Eskimo, Athabaskan, Yupik, and Inupiaq artists make this volume the most comprehensive study of Alaskan art ever published.

Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs of artists and their works, Alaska Native Art examines the concept of tradition in the modern world. Fair demonstrates that tradition is alive and well in Alaska through the words of Native artists and a multitude of examples, reproduced in color and accompanied by historic photographs.

Alaska Native Art is a volume to treasure, a tribute to the incredible vision of Alaska's artists and to the enduring traditions of all of Alaska's Native peoples.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781889963822
Publisher:	University of Alaska Press
Publication date:	07/15/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	16 - 18 Years

About the Author

Susan W. Fair (1948–2003) was a folklorist, curator, and advocate for Native peoples who published extensively on Alaska Native art.



Susan W. Fair (1948–2003) was a folklorist, curator, and advocate for Native peoples who published extensively on Alaska Native art.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Editor’s Preface
Acknowledgments
Terminology and Abbreviations
Introduction
1          The Nature of Tradition
2          “Eskimos” and “Aleuts”
3          Alaska Indians
4          Genres, Boundaries, and Ways of Making
5          Assembling Collections, Making Exhibitions
6          The Importance of Place
7          Tradition as Process
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"This wonderful book reflects Susie Fair's years of experience working with Alaska Native artists throughout the state and represents a unique contribution to our understanding of traditional, transitional, and contemporary Alaska Native art."
—Nelson Graburn, author of Ethnic and Tourist Arts

"Susan Fair's illuminating book is as brilliant and original as she was. She provides a vivid account of the works of Alaska Native artists, bringing to life not only the artworks but also the artists so often neglected in scholarly studies."
—Molly Lee, curator of ethnology, University of Alaska Museum of the North

"Gorgeous photos showcase the wealth of works by contemporary Native artists in Alaska. Separate chapters focus on works by Eskimos, Aleuts, and Alaska Indians, explaining the cultural references, which influence the traditional works. Explanations are detailed and highly readable for a high school audience, focusing on the purpose of the objects in the traditional societies. This would be a great addition to any high school looking to add titles to their non-Western art collection."
—Terri Lent (AASL), library media specialist, Patrick Henry High School

"An inspirational, landmark volume. . .an excellent addition to any collection."
—CHOICE

From the Publisher