Kwakiutl String Figures

Averkieva, Julia P.; Sherman, Mark A.

ISBN 10: 0774804327 / ISBN 13: 9780774804325

Published by University of British Columbia Press, Toronto, ON, Canada, 1992

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 61035

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Kwakiutl String Figures
• Publisher: University of British Columbia Press, Toronto, ON, Canada
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0774804327
• ISBN 13: 9780774804325
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • All
  • Art

About this title

Synopsis

Julia Averkieva's study represents the most comprehensive Native American string collection ever assembled from a single tribe. In addition to characterizing the social conditions that prompted string figure making among the Kwakiutl during the time of her field study, Averkieva noted step-by-step instructions for each figure and transcribed traditional accompanying chants. In editing and expanding Averkieva's manuscript, Mark Sherman addresses string figure enthusiasts as well as cultural anthropologists. Sherman includes in his introduction a complete description of basic openings and string figure moves. For each Kwakiutl figure he has prepared clear illustrations based on Averkievazs original photographs and pencil sketches. In addition he has tested each figure for workability, clarifying instructions where necessary and recasting them in Rivers and Haddon's standard terminology.

Synopsis

The first publication of a study by Soviet scholar Averkieva (1907-80), who accompanied anthropologist Franz Boas on a 1930 trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The collection of 112 string figures and tricks is the largest from Native Americans, and includes step-by-step instructions, the accompanying chants, and an explanation of the socia