From Library Journal
These companion volumes are the work of a modest man who claims only to be a "collector," and most of the illustrated baskets are from his collection. They are in fact a strong argument for the average, un-degreed, unpublished unknown to be recognized as a leader in keeping a tradition alive. These strong, handsome, informative, and attractive books give a penetrating view of the decline of basketmaking in many areas, the richness of the traditions, the current state of the art, and the beauty of the products. Dalrymple's text is not only well written but full of little details only someone who had spent time with the craftspeople would know, e.g., that peach baskets are also used in the men's religious ceremonies among the Hopi. Arresting photos from historic sources as well as images of current baskets and portraits by Dalrymple of the basketmakers are all well chosen and forceful. The author takes a tribe, such as the Havasupai, examines the history of the tribe and its basketmaking, details materials and construction used, and profiles current basketmakers sympathetically. Many cannot make a living at their craft; they do it for the love of the art and the past. The books also include maps, indexes, references, lists of plants used in each area, and an invaluable gift to basketmakers everywhere: a glossary in each book with clear instructions on weaving methods such as coiling, twilling, and twining. These are lovely additions to any arts or Native American collection.
-Gay Neale, formerly with Southside Virginia Community Coll., Meredithville Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
This strong, handsome, informative and attractive book gives penetrating views of the richness of the traditions, the current state of the art and the beauty of the products. Arresting photos from historic sources, as well as images of current baskets are well chosen and forceful.
