Basket Tales of the Grandmothers: American Indian Baskets in Myth and Legend

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 210 pages
• Published by: Museum of Primitive Art & Culture January 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0962831417
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0962831416
• Book Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

From Library Journal
William Turnbaugh (anthropology, Univ. of Rhode Island) and Sarah Turnbaugh (director, Rhode Island's Museum of Primitive Art and Culture) have gathered over 250 selections from the recorded words of Native Americans past and present that mention baskets and basketry. Most of these are folktales, many are brief references ("In their houses they have large baskets made of heavy reeds"), and some are reminiscences of basket-making or use. The Turnbaughs claim to have read every account that mentions baskets in Native American records; they seem, however, to be thin in the Plains area. There are other problems as well. The organization of the book does not emphasize the origins of design motifs as implied in the foreword but rather the nature of basket talesAAmazing Baskets, Monster Baskets, etc. And why use Native names for tribes ("Cherokee" becomes "Qualla") but then employ the term "American Indian" in the book's title? This book is well illustrated and makes for interesting browsing, but ultimately it is overwhelming and is hardly hard-core scholarship. For greater public libraries with strong Native American collections.AGay Neale, Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Alberta
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Storytellers from over 100 Native American societies lend their voices to this fascinating collection. From creation myths to ghost stories and fables, "Indian baskets" provide the theme for over 250 traditional selections, each recounted in the words of its narrator. More than 280 historic photographs celebrate the traditional beauty and lore of American Indian basketry. Woven together into one unique volume, these cherished stories, informative commentaries, and exciting illustrations document the rich heritage of Native North American basketry. William A. Turnbaugh is professor of anthropology at the University of Rhode Island. Sarah Peabody Turnbaugh is director of the Museum of Primitive Art and Culture in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, and is adjunct assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Rhode Island.