Sculpture of the Eskimo

From the front flap of this 255 page book: "The photographs in this book constitute the most thorough visual record of Eskimo sculpture ever to be compiled, presenting most of the important pieces and spanning all of the phases from prehistory to present. A magnificent pictorial chronicle and a sensitive appreciation of this highly individualistic art form, 'Sculpture of the Eskimo' does not set out to judge or analyze but to reveal the aesthetic experience and profound beauty of these finely crafted carvings and sculptures, approaching them as works of art rather than as archaeological or anthropological phenomena. These are creations of distinctive power and beauty - shaped with primitive tools and modern implements from a variety of materials - ivory, bone, antler, wood, and in more recent times, stone. In a commentary that covers the environment, history, and culture from which these works have arisen, Professor Swinton traces Eskimo carvings gradual transition from magical objects needed for one's spiritual development to functional, decorative objects for self-entertainment and a world-wide market. He explains the basic Eskimo awsthetic principle of 'sananguaq - a likeness of a real or imagined subject - and provides the most thorough survey to date of contemporary Eskimo sculptors. He examines their work, records their own statements about it, and relates pictorially the various styles and subject matters within the Arctic. Not only is this book a visual catalogue of Eskimo sculpture (37 color plates, 770 black and white photographs), it includes the first illustrated compendium of artists' works and a complete bibliography on the subject. This superb volume is a significant contribution to art history and a valuable representation of a unique, impressive, and exceedingly beautiful art form."