The Technique of Porcupine Quill Decoration

Among the Indians of North America

by Orchard

Porcupine quill decoration is a craft that is unique to the Indians of North America; a craft that can be found nowhere else in the world. Prior to about 1840 it was the principle means of decoration among most of this continent’s Nations and as such one would suppose that there would be innumerable studies, books and articles about the subject. One of the reasons for this edition of Orchard’s work is that such is not the case. Some sixty-six years after the first publication, this work remains the best single source on porcupine quillwork.

As was done in the 1971 reprint of the first edition, we have made no attempt to revise the original text. The map was created for the reprint by Mr. Douglas Waugh and has not been changed.

Both craftspersons and students of Native American cultures will find this book a must. Complete with easy-to-follow illustrations, color plates, line drawings and historical text. Written by the ac-knowledged expert in the field.

Originally published in 1916 by the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, New York.

84 pp ~ 4 color photos ~ 88 b/w photos — ©1982