This is a stunning colorful book in large format (12 x 15 in.) which includes 45 historic Indian horse masks from museums and private collections. Most date from the 19th century. Scores of other masks are illustrated by 18th and 19th century indian paintings and drawings on rock, leather, cloth and paper, and by historic photographs. The symbolism and history of masks is thoroughly discussed and annotated. There is an extensive bibliography and index.
 Painting the face or body of a man or a horse is also a kind of masking. Therefore, a chapter on Cheyenne horse painting and its meaning and usage is also part of this volume., written by Winfield Coleman.

American Indian Horse Masks

Ned and Jody Martin

Mike Cowdrey

Hawk Hill Press

This book traces the evolution and use of silver bridles as well as gorgets, pectorals, hairplates and concho belts, first obtained through trade networks, and later made by indians. The bridles pictured are those used by the indians of the Southern Plains tribes and the Navajo, as well as from Mexico. 500 images of silver bridles from museums and private collections, as well as depictions in ledger drawings and historic photos, document these bridles in use by the southwestern tribes. This is a large format (12 by 13 1/2 in) full color volume with stunning images.

Bridles of the Americas: Indian Silver

Robert Bauver

This book traces the origins of the folk art of hitching horsehair, and how it flourished in the prisons of the west between 1890 and 1930. In this large format book with about 500 stunning images, the reader will learn to identify the distinct styles of each of the 12 prisons, and appreciate some of the individuals who influenced the creation and sale of these beautiful pieces. 
 It also illustrates the preparation, dyeing and hitching of the horsehair, and differentiates between hitching and braiding, or plaiting, the fibers in order to make cheek straps, brow pieces and reins of a bridle.
 Most of the book is focused on prison-made pieces, but the last two chapters deal with those made elsewhere. Winfield Coleman authored a chapter on the Indian Uses of Horsehair which go far beyond the creation of bridles. The final chapter describes and pictures the work of talented, often self-taught, contemporary makers of hitched horsehair items.

Horsehair Bridles, A Unique American Folk Art

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ned and Jody Martin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ned and Jody Martin

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ned and Jody Martin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

American Indian Horse Masks

Bridles of the Americas: Indian Silver

Horsehair Bridles, A Unique American Folk Art