In this volume, we are beginning one of the most exciting phases of Native American History of beadwork, quill
work and recognition of tribal colors and symbols presented in this series of books. Parts of it you already know
from a bit of highlighting in the first five Volumes of "Beads to Buckskins". But in this Volume we are
chiefly interested in the old and traditional ways beadwork came to the Native American Indians. Perhaps the best
way to learn beadwork is to study its progress, part by part as the people created it. For it was not learned all
at once. It grew gradually from region to region, much as it did in Africa and other countries. Other Indian nations
are made up of several natural regions. Each one is different in climate and natural resources.
In this volume I have a page of Melody
Abbott's work. She has done a wonderful job on these items. Melody
has created three Rifle Scabbard's that are beautifully beaded in
geometric, lightning and detailed Vanishing Spirit of Native
American on a horse and a Maiden standing in a cloud and below a
Buffalo standing on an drum of red white and blue representing the
USA.
One region is covered by an enormous level plain. From this area, the Plains Indian developed
a way of life totally set apart from any other. They all depended on the buffalo and other wild game for their
existence. At that time there was an abundance of many different species of wild life. In particular the porcupine.
From which comes a complete geometric decoration for garments and many other items. You can find out more in this
Volume about the History of the Native American
Beadwork and quill work.
