Releasing the Spirit: The Art of Zuñi Fetish Carving (2 Volume Set)

Description

Author: Finkelstein, Harold

Publisher: Vista Leaf Press (Capitan, NM)

Pub Date: 2025

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Good.  This is a NEW book.  Without dust jacket, as issued.  One set in publisher’s shrink wrap.

Notes: ISBN is SET ISBN.  SOLD AS A SET ONLY.   Volume I: Out From the Past.  Volume II: Personalities.  Another labor of love project and it really shows.  Finkelstein began working with the Zuni in the early 90s, and produced a nice pamphlet on Zuni fetishes around that time, sold a potfull.  I guess if you’re gonna wait thirty years to publish a follow-up, the follow-up better be on the “Godfather -2” plateau.  and this one is.  This is a helluva set of books.  Volume I is history, origins, materials, imagery, and the commercial trade in fetishes.  Volume II is “the Masters”–the featured carvers and the “Masters of Execution.”  More than 1000 full-color photos  (black-and-white would not do these pieces justice–see photos of interior pages above).  Timelines, charts, pronunciations.  The best comparisons I can give for these books are  Owens’ Prehistoric Perishables: From the Attic and Garage  See  (https://joethebookguy.com/shop/archaeology/prehistoric-perishables-artifacts-from-the-attic-and-garage/ ) and the Gregory Schaaf biographical series on Native artists  (See https://joethebookguy.com/shop/indian/american-indian-jewelry-i-1200-artist-biographies-ca-1800-present/ )  SOLD AS A SET ONLY.