First published 1979
Jamake Highwater examines the rich artistic heritage of Pueblo communities across the American Southwest. The author traces how indigenous painters developed their distinctive visual language over centuries, working with natural pigments and traditional motifs. Highwater documents the evolution of Pueblo painting from ancient pottery designs and ceremonial art to contemporary works that bridge ancestral techniques with modern expression. He profiles individual artists who maintained their cultural identity while adapting to changing times. The book reveals how Pueblo painters used their art to preserve stories, spiritual beliefs, and community values. Highwater shows readers the deep connections between artistic practice and daily life in Pueblo society, offering insight into a visual tradition that reflects both continuity and creative innovation.
Genres: art, cultural-heritage, art-history, native-american, cultural
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: artistic-expression, cultural-preservation
Setting: Pueblo, American Southwest
Period: Ancient, Contemporary
26 pages · Unknown Binding · distributed by Folio