Sunset. Fire. Rainbow. Drawing on such common occurrences of light, Navajo artists have crafted an uncommon array of design in colored glass beads. Beadwork is an art form introduced to the Navajos through other Indian and Euro-American contacts, but it is one that they have truly made their own. More than simple crafts, Navajo beaded designs are architectures of light. Ellen Moore has written the first history of Navajo beadwork—belts and hatbands, baskets and necklaces—in a book that examines both the influence of Navajo beliefs in the creation of this art and the primacy of light and color in Navajo culture. Navajo Beadwork: Architectures of Light traces the evolution of the art as explained by traders, Navajo consultants, and Navajo beadworkers themselves. It also shares the visions, words, and art of 23 individual artists to reveal the influences on their creativity and show how they go about creating their designs. As Moore reveals, Navajo beadwork is based on an aggregate of beliefs, categories, and symbols that are individually interpreted and transposed into beaded designs. Most designs are generated from close observation of light in the natural world, then structured according to either Navajo tradition or the newer spirituality of the Native American Church. For many beadworkers, creating designs taps deeply embedded beliefs so that beaded objects reflect their thoughts and prayers, their aesthetic sensibilities, and their sense of being Navajo—but above all, their attention to light and its properties. No other book offers such an intimate view of this creative process, and its striking color plates attest to the wondrous results. Navajo Beadwork: Architectures of Light is a valuable record of ethnographic research and a rich source of artistic insight for lovers of beadwork and Native American art.

Easy-to-follow diagrams and simple instructions enable even beginners to create a host of striking Native American designs. Color-coded patterns for buffalo, kachinas, eagles, and more will add delightful ornamental touches to T-shirts, lend distinctive touches to handbags, headbands, and belts, and enhance cushion covers, table linens, and other household accessories.

Weave belts, headbands, and sashes and decorate handbags, vests, blouses, and other garments with this inexpensive do-it-yourself book. You'll find 73 charts for bead weaving and 12 full-size patterns for bead appliqué, all based on authentic designs of Cheyenne, Sioux, Crow, and other tribes. Complete instructions and color keys for every chart and pattern.

Keywords include: bandolier, bannock, beading bags, Blackfoot, blanket strips, breaking beads, breech cloth, Chippewa-Cree, contemporary stitch, Crow beads, Earth Maker, fur trade, half leggings, hexigon beads, knife sheath, looms, quillwork, saddle bags, tobacco bags.

Concise, illuminating discussion of origins, execution, and symbolism of North American Indian beadwork. Numerous examples from Eastern Woodlands and Plains Indians. Over 300 figures.

A handicraft guide to American Indian beadwork for those seeking the fundamentals of construction and ideas of design—fully illustrated throughout. American Indian Beadwork includes: -Directions for beading stitches -Directions for making and stringing a loom -Fifty-four black-and-white photographs of actual Indian beadwork -Thirteen full-color pages of 132 authentic Indian patterns for your own beadwork

Weave belts, headbands, and sashes and decorate handbags, vests, blouses, and other garments with authentic Native American motifs. 73 charts for bead weaving, 12 full-size patterns for appliqué. Complete instructions and color keys included.