Drumming up interest in Native Americans

Melissa Adams

Heading for the 35th annual Pow Wow at the Orange County Fairgrounds

next weekend? You can get a sneak preview of the colorful culture and

traditions of Native Americans at Newport Beach Public Libraries.

The voices of 23 American Indian elders, artists, teachers and

community leaders are woven together in “All Roads are Good.” In this

stunning volume published by the Smithsonian Institution Press, a

Crow storyteller recalls encounters with thunderbirds. A Seneca

museum director explores stereotypes and how they’re perpetuated. A

Navajo multimedia artist shares his passion for preserving an ancient

culture through modern technology.

If memories are the backbone of the Navajo culture, “Enduring

Traditions: Art of the Navajo” helps preserve them through art. With

a resounding chorus of “I remember,” 194 contemporary Navajo artisans

share their pottery, jewelry, sculpture, rugs and paintings, along

with the dreams that inspired them, in this lavish work.

Hundreds of color photographs testify to the diversity of Native

American arts and crafts in “Native Arts of North America.” With

descriptions of tribal and regional styles, David Penney takes

readers beyond cliches in his comprehensive survey of archeology,

costume, weaving, pottery, basket making, painting and sculpture.

To view some of these art forms in your own living room, check out

“Beyond Tradition,” a video showcasing contemporary Indian art and

its evolution. More than 300 examples of American Indian art are

presented against a background of hauntingly beautiful Native

American music in this 45-minute visual overview.

Other songs of Indian peoples are recorded on “Honor the Earth

Powwow” and “American Indian Ceremonial and War Dances,” which are in

the CD collection at both the Central Library and Mariners Branch.

A semiprecious stone provides a springboard for stories about

rituals, daily life, powwows, rodeos and ruins of the Southwest in

“The Turquoise Trail.” By tracing turquoise trade routes between

ancient Mexican civilizations and today’s American Southwest, Carol

Karasik paints a portrait of pre-Columbian peoples. More than 140

color photographs by Jeffrey Foxx show how turquoise jewelry is worn

and used today.

You need not venture to a powwow to sample Native American

cuisine. Check out “Enduring Harvests” for 150 tempting recipes that

have been adapted for the modern kitchen. In addition to instructions

for making such delicacies as Strawberry Moon Tea and Fried Green

Corn, there’s lore about dances, festivals and ceremonial fires in

Barrie Kavasch’s culinary collection.

If you’re ready to head for the fairgrounds, you may want to craft

some appropriate regalia with help from “Powwow.” With stunning

photography and commentary by Native American dancers, Ben Marra

captures the color and spirit of ceremonial traditions that will be

revisited locally, Aug. 22 through 24.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in collaboration with

Susie Lamb. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers

by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.