Beading in the Native American Traditions by David Dean
ISBN 1-931499-03-9, Softbound, 112pgs., $24.95US, Interweave Press, 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO 80537-5655, 800-272-2193, www.interweave.com

I met David Dean at the first Bead Expo in Miami.  I was running around like a crazy person, teaching a class, participating as a vendor, setting up the fashion show and writing the script all in one weekend.  I was beginning to feel stressed and tired  The moment I met David and shook his hand, I felt at peace, relaxed and the stress disappearing.  It was like having a biofeedback session only better.  David’s connection to his heritage and traditions, joy of teaching and love of art transcends those around him to a higher level.  I quickly remembered the summers of my youth spent on Navaho and Hopi reservations, the pow wows I have attended over the last 10 years and how peaceful those times were.   I realized how much I miss the pow wows and have not attended for at least three years because of my fast pace day to day life style that never seems to include time for these experiences.

I mention this because David’s book also exudes these same elements as you journey through Native American life and beadwork.  You will find more than just the history and the how to of beadwork,  love of all people and sharing of knowledge pervades each page.  David includes beadwork of many Native American nations in addition to his own.  You will see the diversity of Native American beadwork throughout the USA and where many of the beadwork techniques originated.  We owe much thanks to the sharing of information and instruction of beadwork by Native Americans.  Their contributions were significant in the beadwork movement and the backbone of contemporary beadwork in the USA today.

David Dean’s beadwork and that of the past are layered in color throughout his book.  History of Native American beadwork, Italian, Czech, French and Japanese seed bead history are discussed along with how to estimate amount of beads for a project with all four bead types compared.

Each chapter provides beading stitches and how to make them:  Lane-stitch, applique, loom, gourd stitch, brick stitch (Comanche), beaded edgings,finishing techniques; embossed/raised stitch, wrapped stitch, Winnebago side stitch, gourd stitch using 1-drop, 2-drop and 3-drop and Rosette layouts are included.

Each stitch is listed as to which Native American tribe employs that beading stitch.  There is a chart with the tribe, technique and primary colors used for their beadwork.  There is information about collecting Native American beadwork and tips when purchasing beads.

If you want to know how to make your own loom, you will find instructions for making heddle, tension, box 2-bar and bow looms.  Each loom is described as to the uses, materials required and assembly accompanied by illustrations.  If you are wondering what a heddle loom looks like and how to use it, instructions are included for warping the loom and heddle and how to weave the beads and use a shed stick.

You will find color photographs of beaded gourd rattles, fan handles, dance canes, feather fans, beaded clothing, purses, awl cases, beaded cords/ropes, beaded ceremonial and day to day wear, both contemporary and vintage.  You will begin to feel a connection to these beaders and their work through the historical information, beadwork examples and the Elders’ poetic statements throughout the book.

David’s Beading in the Native American Tradition is a keeper and a superb choice for gifts.