Baleen Basketry of the North Alaskan Eskimo

Description

Baskets made of baleen| the fibrous substance found in the mouths of plankton-eating whales – a malleable and durable material that once had commercial uses equivalent to those of plastics today – were first created by Alaska Natives in the early years of the twentieth century. Because they were made for the tourist trade| they were initially disdained by scholars and collectors| but today they have joined other art forms as a highly prized symbol of Native identity. Baskets of exquisite workmanship| often topped with fanciful ivory carvings| have been created for almost a century| contributing significantly to the livelihood of their makers in the Arctic villages of Barrow| Point Hope| Wainwright| and Point Lay| Alaska. Baleen Basketry of the North Alaskan Eskimo| originally published in 1983| was the first book on this unusual basket form. In this completely redesigned edition| it remains the most informative work on baleen baskets| covering their history| characteristics| and construction| as well as profiling their makers. It belongs in the library of all those with an interest in the art of basketry and in Alaskan Native arts in general.