Customer Reviews:
Great Cookbook.......2006-08-31
This book is great! Growing up in a West Indian hous hold in the US, I was familiar with the flavors of the food, but not with cooking the food. This book was instrumental in honing my carribean cooking skills and is an excellent reference book.
Good recipe book.......2005-02-26
Being a Jamaican I was a bit sceptical about this book being written by foreigners (AKA non-Jamaicans), but you know this is a good overall recipe book. They did not try to tweak recipes or 'improve' upon them, but rather collected recipes from authentic Jamaican cooks. The pictures are very nice also. They have good recipes for patties, gizzadas, rice and peas and many more. I got this in high school knowing that I would one day have to move out of my parents house and cook on my own...now I'm married with 3 kids and still love this book...great for beginners or experienced cooks!
A Very Fine Book.......2002-11-14
Very readable, excellent recipes, great information, and lots of fun.
Book Description
The works of contemporary Native artists from the Northwest Coast and desert Southwest regions of North America are enormously popular today, especially in the realm of jewelry. This handsome book-and the traveling exhibition it accompanies-explores how the cultures from each region continue to communicate beliefs and traditions through visual adornment, and examines the cross-cultural influences between the peoples of these very different areas.
The core of the book consists of personal statements by 39 artists, who discuss their lives, their beliefs, and their approach to art- and jewelry-making. Lavish illustrations, both historical images and new photographs by noted photographer Togashi, bring the subject to life, while supporting texts by general editor Kari Chalker, curators Lois Sherr Dubin and Peter M. Whiteley, Haida artist Jim Hart, and anthropologist Martine Reid provide background and insight. Totems to Turquoise will be an important resource for students, scholars, and designers, as well as anyone who loves beautiful and well-made objects. AUTHOR BIO: Kari Chalker is an anthropological writer, researcher, and editor. She was formerly assistant director of cultural explorations at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado. Lois Sherr Dubin is a noted authority on beads and jewelry and the author of Abrams' History of Beads and North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment. Peter M. Whiteley is curator of North American ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Dubin and Whiteley are the curators of "Totems to Turquoise."
Customer Reviews:
A truly well-rounded treasury.......2005-02-08
Totems To Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts Of The Northwest And Southwest is a lavish artbook filled cover-to-cover with full-color photographs not only of beautiful Native American jewelry, but also portraits of the individual artists crafters who create it. Brief descriptions of each piece and broader essays enlighten the reader as to how and why these visually stunning articles were created, and the symbolism underlying their design. Many pieces feature short commentaries by the creators themselves. A truly well-rounded treasury and a welcome addition to contemporary Native American art shelves.
Book Description
In the American Southwest, turquoise is a highly prized gemstone with great cultural significance. Author Joe Dan Lowry is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on the subject, and Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide is the definitive resource for rock hounds and serious collectors alike. Lowry describes the fascinating history of turquoise mining in the American Southwest and reveals the astonishing variety of colors and forms that make this a gemstone like no other. Among Native American peoples of the Southwest, turquoise is especially prized, with blue stones symbolizing "Father Sky" and greener ones evoking "Mother Earth." This lavishly illustrated volume also features some of the finest examples of antique and contemporary Southwest Indian turquoise jewelry. 70 color photographs and illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
For those who THINK they know everything about Turquoise..........2007-03-28
I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.
I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became my favorite reference for the rest of my life.
If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"
No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!
My many thanks to the Lowry family for their labor of love...from the "Turq" Museum to this book...and I hope we cross paths real soon.
Turquoise Unearthed.......2006-12-20
I would highly reccomend that anyone who plans to buy or be interested
in increasing their knowledge of Turquoise read Turquoise Unearthed by
Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry and also attend a Lecture by Joe Dan Lowry
at The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque N.M. if possible
Should be required reading for turquoise lovers..........2005-11-08
This compact little book is jammed solid with luscious pictures of tuquoise and to-the-point information. The topics discussed range from the technique of inlays to the various methods turquoise is altered on the modern market - from 'stabilizing' to 'color enhancing'.
The heart of the book, which is sure to captivate rock hounds and bead/jewelry designers (I fall into both camps) is the pictorial review of the major American mines. You'll be able to see at a glance the difference between the pale greens of King Manassas and the blackberry-like beauty of Lander Blue.
Oh, and if you're planning a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the author's Turquoise Museum is probably the best-kept tourist secret around. Highly recommended.
Book Description
This revised second edition of The Allure of Turquoise, originally published 10 years ago, offers an illuminating look at the cherished gemstone that has come to symbolize the culture and history of the Southwest. Two brand new chapters, updated original chapters, additional photographs and a revamped format mark this absorbing, informative and visually stunning book. The powerful allure of New Mexico's crown jewel comes alive through a diverse collection of feature stories contributed by some of the state's best writers. Their work delves into many facets of turquoise, from the miracle of its geological creation and its centuries-old mining history to its significance and use in the lives of Native Americans.Intriguing chapters touch on the mystery of old pawn, the treasures that reside in the world's first Turquoise Museum, the innovative artistry of New Mexico's contemporary native jewelers and how to distinguish the genuine article from cheap imitations. Readers will find plenty of turquoise lore and a fascinating essay on the strange-but-true relationship between ants and the blue-green stone.
This popular book featuring the crown jewel of New Mexico is back in a revised edition.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-05-13
I found this book very thorough as far as the knowledge of the types of turquoise. But, I also found a lot of good info about traditional jewelry selling, info about fakes and treatments and historical knowledge. Gorgeous pictures.
For those who THINK that they know everything about Turquoise..........2007-03-28
This is the same review I gave to "Turquoise Unearthed"...and for all intents and purposes, they could be classified as companion volumes...both doing an exceptional job in words and images!
"I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.
I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became one of my favorite references for the rest of my life.
If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"
No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!"
My many thanks to Mr. Vigil for his labor of love, a compilation of articles from New Mexico Magazine...on everything from the Lowry "Turq" Museum...to the history and significance of the Cerrillos Mines...to the myth of "Old Pawn" jewelry...and much, much more!
Beautiful Photos.......2007-03-08
This was a birthday gift for my husband. He loved it. He said it was the perfect present since he loves turquoise and making turquoise jewelry. It even arrived on time, gift wrapped. If you love turquoise, the color pictures are worth it. The content is very good too, my husbands states.
Superb .......2007-01-14
This is a wonderful in-depth examination of turquoise and its makers. It is somewhat scientific in the portion about the formation of the stone. There are terrific photographs and lots of information about the handling of turqoise and the art that turns it into expensive jewelry! Recommended for the turqoise lover.
Chapters mix history and cultural and geologic insights with tips on locating authentic pieces, valuation and more.......2006-03-07
One of New Mexico's symbols is turquoise, so it's fitting that a discussion of jewel would come from New Mexico Magazine's publishing arm. Any who wish to learn about the stone must have The Allure Of Turquoise: it appears in its second updated edition to pack color photos on every page with discussions ranging from the history of turquoise in both jewelry and Native American circles to issues surrounding its sale, authenticity and preservation. Chapters mix history and cultural and geologic insights with tips on locating authentic pieces, valuation and more: turquoise collectors will find this essential.
Book Description
This best-selling guide to collectible Indian crafts features bright, clear photographs of work by Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Santo Domingo artists. Brief text details the meticulous tasks these artists perform to create a distinctively Southwestern style of wearable art.
Customer Reviews:
Southwest Indian Jewelry Guide Review.......2005-07-10
This is a great book for someone becoming acquainted with jewelry of the Southwest. The book contains background information about the region and the distinction between the Hopi,Zuni,and Navajo jewelry, as well as some other silver-smithing techniques used by the Indians
Tiny size - lots of info.......2004-09-25
This tiny 46-page book is big on information. In it, you'll learn to recognize tribal jewelry styles and techniques. Although the first native American to learn silversmithing is not known, it appears to have begun among the Navajo in the 1850s, then was passed to the Zuni and Hopi.
When the railroads opened the Wild West, silverwork began to respond not just to the tastes of the silversmiths themselves, but to the travelers looking for a souvenir of their encounter with the exotic Southwest inhabitants.
The Navajo developed their style of setting large stones into cast, hammered, and stamped silver. The Zuni made clusterwork their forte, setting small turquoise stones in silver, called petitpoint and needlepoint. You'll learn the differences among mosaic, channel, and overlay inlays, about Pueblo fetish, and Santo Domingo heishi. The book shows both old and modern jewelry styles and is pocket-sized for easy reference when shopping.
Book Description
This newly revised book presents the beautiful jewelry of the prolific Zuni Indians of New Mexico who are known the world over for their distinctive designs. From stone shell, inlay and silver, Zuni craftsmen have developed jewelry forms begun 125 years ago. Contemporary makers both reflect the traditional designs and explore new styles, all shown here with many examples. The lovely inlay work for which the Zuni are world famous is shown in all of its popular forms for men and women. 90 brilliant color photographs present hundreds of carefully chosen jewelry forms with a brand new price guide to tempt and delight collectors all over Europe and America. The modern artists are identified and credited with the skillful techniques which produce such exquisite jewelry.
Customer Reviews:
Another gorgeous book from Schiffer.......2006-05-19
Even though these are obstensibly for the information of collectors, all the Schiffer books that I have ever gotten are magnificent just for the those who wistfully wish they could afford a piece. The reader can't handle the actual pieces, but it's about as close as one will get in a picture. And if one ever does get enough money to buy a piece, one will know what one wants.
This is full of well-done color pictures and packed with a lot of information about the history and contemporary makers. There are other books with gorgeous shots of turquoise and silver, but the reader of this and the Bassman's other books will come away with some real understanding of the different styles, schools, and the cultural milieu of their creation.
Customer Reviews:
Lots of artisan credits - lots of great photos - 4.5 Stars.......2005-05-06
When I saw the dust jacket promised a PRICE GUIDE, this book was immediately added to my shopping cart. But I just can't find that darned price guide anywhere in these pages. It is also interesting to note the `Evolving . . ." portion of the book is confined to a short historical essay (which amounts to a mere 10 or 15 of the 253 pages) - kinda sketchy. And there is a smattering of annoying typos, missing words, incomplete sentences and photos which fail to match up with the credits. However, the photos are glorious and clear, many colorful and an exciting array of backgrounds and setups. Sadly, the "evolving" issue is confounded by the author's choice to group jewelry in wearing categories like bracelets, buckles, conchos and so forth. Similarly, each category lacks evolutionary structure, even though there are plenty of examples to stretch the old-to-new `evolving' idea. In short, the ingredients are there, you just have to assemble the idea yourself. Now on to the good stuff . . . a huge percentage of photos feature specimen and artist credits for some of the most overlooked high quality jewelry in Indiandom (is that a word?). Master silversmiths and stone cutters like Quam, Weebothee and Peynesta are featured AND credited. It is good to see these names correctly placed in the higher strata of Indian Jewelry. Likewise, it is sad the names of vintage Indian jewelry artisans do not accompany photos, sealing the fate of these artisans to slide off into the abyss of obscurity. Surprisingly, there is a significant number of mediocre jewelry shown, some by noted silversmiths. It is often said that Indian artists, in their individual humility, avoided individuality until the white man came along, and that may be true. But it is more likely it was the white man (traders) who illuminated the hallmark practice, encouraging silversmiths to utilize identifying stamps and marks. In reality, such practice supported higher prices. But, for some Indian jewelers, their designs, patterns and unique skills are their hallmark. For instance, no one can duplicate an Edaakie inlay. Some have come close, but no one to date can reproduce the delicate curvature and mirror finish; nor the precise, unerring inlay. Moreover, the curving design elements are almost impossible to replicate. But just about anyone can drill a hole and string a bead; it's the combination of rote mechanics and skilled craftsmanship that is often lacking. You will find none of that in this book, however. There are hundreds of excellent photo notations for jewelers, traders and collectors alike. I expect to see lots of references to this volume on eBay and elsewhere in the near future. No serious buyer or seller of authentic Indian jewelry should bypass this hardbound book. Its hefty dimensions, quality binding and slick heavy paper make the book itself a collector's item. So, despite its meager shortcomings, this book on Indian Jewelry is very worthwhile. Now, if I can just find that PRICE GUIDE . . .
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