10 Native American Books to Expand Your Horizons
What better New Year’s resolution than to expand your knowledge – and your horizons!
A great way to do so is by joining us at the Indian Pueblo Store, where we are proud to bring you curated books that celebrate and illuminate Native American artists and the original authentic art forms that are distinctive to Native Americans of the Southwest. These works are written or produced by Native American authors, or were created in consultation with Native American experts. In our unique collection, we bring you the finest scholarly books recognized for their nuanced exploration of Native American culture.
Here are some great ways to get started on your journey. From fictional tales to historical takes and memoirs, we have something for everyone!
1. Pottery of the Southwest: Ancient Art and Modern Traditions
“Pottery of the Southwest: Ancient Art and Modern Traditions” by Allan and Carol Hayes introduces the art from its beginnings to the present, and displays examples that describe how America’s first important art form grew into one of the world’s most accessible treasures.
2. Zuni Fetishes and Carvings
“Zuni Fetishes and Carvings” by Native American art dealer Kent McManis describes the materials that Zuni artists carve today, and introduces many skilled carvers.
3. Healing Secrets of the Native Americans: Herbs, Remedies, and Practices that Restore the Body, Refresh the Mind
“Healing Secrets of the Native Americans: Herbs, Remedies, and Practices that Restore the Body, Refresh the Mind” by Port Shimer helps you learn about how Native Americans have used the bountiful gifts of nature to heal the mind, body, and spirit.
4. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States
“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a history of the United States from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, and reveals how Native Americans, for centuries, actively resisted expansion of the U.S. empire.
5. Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations
“Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations” by Lois Ellen Frank presents more than 80 recipes that are rich in natural flavors and perfectly in tune with today’s healthy eating habits.
6. Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide
“Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide” by worldwide expert Joe Dan Lowry, is an impressive collection of photos and stories sharing the fascinating history of turquoise mining in the American Southwest.
7. Vegetarian Southwest
“Vegetarian Southwest” by Lon Walters utilizes the abundant harvests native to the Southwest region and used in its most popular restaurants, where they have earned the praise of visitors and devoted patrons.
8. Canyon Gardens: The Ancient Pueblo Landscapes of the American Southwest
“Canyon Gardens: The Ancient Pueblo Landscapes of the American Southwest,” edited by V.B. Price and Baker H. Morrow is the long-awaited sequel to “Anasazi* Architecture and American Design.” Modern architects, site planners, and landscape architects will find these new-found qualities of the Southwestern landscape fascinating and inspirational. *Ancestral Pueblo (formerly referred to as Anasazi)
9. The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook: Whole Food of Our Ancestors
The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook is an original cookbook by, for, and about the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. This cookbook is a product of the Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute, founded by Roxanne Swentzell at Santa Clara Pueblo. Its goal is to promote healing and balance by returning to the original foodways of the Pueblo peoples. The precontact, indigenous diet emphasizes chemical-free meat, fowl, fish and a wide variety of whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
10. Pueblo Nations: Eight Centuries of Pueblo Indian History
“Pueblo Nations: Eight Centuries of Pueblo Indian History” by Joe S. Sando is the story of a vital and creative culture, of a people sustained by ages-old traditions and beliefs, who have adapted to the radical challenges of a modern world. It’s a vital and nuanced resource for students, scholars, teachers, and anyone interested in Native American history.
EXPLORE MORE NATIVE AMERICAN BOOKS
At Indian Pueblo Store, we guarantee that your purchase is an original and authentic work handcrafted by Native American artists as defined by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. We ask our artists to complete an extensive certification process, providing a CIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) card and other documentation of their Native American heritage. Our team of experts carefully inspects every product to guarantee it is handcrafted using traditional, sustainable processes, and natural materials of only the highest quality. We record the place and date of each purchase, and pride ourselves in paying a fair price that allows artists to make a living practicing their craft. Every work of handcrafted art comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by an artist or buyer.
At a time when many commercially made products are being sold as handcrafted Native American art, our in-depth purchase process allows us to guarantee the authenticity of every unique piece of fine art we offer. For more than 45 years, we have made it a priority to visit artists in their studio or home to purchase their latest handcrafted pieces and learn about their work. We have developed lasting relationships with artists, as well as dealers and collectors, and we take pride in being a trusted destination for fine Native American art.