Alfred Louis Kroeber was a seminal American cultural anthropologist whose work delved deeply into the complexities of indigenous American cultures. He championed meticulous field research and detailed documentation, seeking to preserve the rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and social structures of these societies. Kroeber's approach emphasized understanding cultural patterns and historical development with scientific rigor. His foundational contributions significantly shaped the trajectory of anthropological studies.
The author was sent in 1899 to study the Southern Arapaho in western Indian Territory (present Oklahoma). In 1900 he lived in the camp of the Northern Arapaho in Wyoming, and in 1901 he visited the Gros Ventre, a related tribe, in Montana. This book touches upon nearly every imaginable facet of the Indians' culture.
This book is a fascinating look at the basketry designs used by the Mission Indians of California in the early 1900s. The author, a prominent anthropologist, provides a detailed description of the different types of baskets used by the tribes and the techniques used in making them. The book is illustrated with detailed drawings of the baskets and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Native American culture.