From Library Journal
One of the coastal tribes living in the Queen Charlotte Islands off western Canada, the Haida have no word for "art," but every aspect of Haida life is permeated with the mystical, allegorical, stylized depiction of animals and people. Moreover, this most compelling artistic style has persevered despite inroads of "civilization." Having studied the Haida for decades and written several other books on their culture and villages, MacDonald now has brought the whole of Haida art together. Their clothing, implements, homes, sacred items, masks, and the famous totem poles are all covered in this large-format book, containing 175 illustrations. Stunning color or black-and-white plates featuring a single object complement turn-of-the-century photos showing costumes, homes, burials, and individuals. Haida myth, customs, and history are touched on, and past and current artisans are profiled, but the main focus is on the interwoven beauty of this strangely moving art. A handsome addition to art collections, especially of Northwest Coast art, this is the definitive Haida compilation.?Gay Neale, Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Alberta
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Breathtaking photographs make this volume an unforgettable visual experience. Individual works of superlative Northwest Coast Indian art appear on large pages, their colors vivid against black backgrounds. Most startling and awe inspiring are the many masks, made of wood and other materials, that represent animal spirits and shamans; for instance, the gorgeous thunderbird transformation mask with its dark, curved beak and red feathers, which is shown closed and then open to reveal the metamorphosed turquoise human face within. Other photos display detailed carvings on boxes, utensils, and even houses. The detailed text is well wrought, both academically solid and accessible. But it is the photographs that make one gasp with admiration. Patricia Monaghan
Review
This should be considered the definitive collection of Haida art in print: a review of holdings of the Canadian Museum of Civilization which includes ninety color photos of art pieces, over ninety black and white shots, and fine in-depth artistic and cultural reviews of Haida works. This is an extraordinary accomplishment which rates a "must" recommendation for any art library strong in Native collections. -- Midwest Book Review
