Masters of Contemporary Indian Jewelry.

Masters of Contemporary Indian Jewelry

Nancy N. Schiffer

Schiffer Publishing Ltd.

4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310

www.schifferbooks.com

9780764332456, $50.00, www.amazon.com

"Masters of Contemporary Indian Jewelry" is a soul-stunning collection of brief biographies of over 50 Native American jewelry artisans with magnificent arrays of full color photographs of their finest works. It is a breathtaking collection, full of beautiful examples of the very finest creations of Native-crafted jewelry. Stunning in its diversity as well as its artistic impact, "Masters of Contemporary Indian Jewelry" presents photo after photo of objects of art that appear to breathe, move and live. Each artist is pictured at the beginning of his or her display and a brief description of his/her background, location, and heritage follows. Awards won and exhibits held are also listed. Some famous names are included among the artisans, such as Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Northern Cheyenne resident of Colorado and former U. S. senator.

The contributions of these Indian artists is priceless and incomparable. It is said that many Native American beliefs attach the hope that the virtues of a noble animal's representation can come to the individual who wears a piece of jewelry evoking it. In a sense, many if not all of these pieces are like sacred prayers translated into metal and stone mediums. The effect is certainly majestic, and beautifully conveyed in the many photographs. Listed at the end of the book are resources including a month by month schedule of Indian markets and shows where the jewelry is displayed and sold, selected galleries, and a bibliography with suggested reading. In summary, "Masters of Contemporary Indian Jewelry" is a magnificent collection of art jewelry made by members of over 30 American Indian nations. Anyone who enjoys the beauty of Indian jewelry art would be immeasurably enriched by its many offerings.