Native American Art Books by Theda Bassman





Theda Bassman


Backpacking and river-running exploits led Theda Bassman into Arizona and New Mexico, where she met up with the Southwest Indian tribes and their art. She and her husband Michael became immersed in the contemporary artistry they found, enough to open a store, called “The Indian and I”, in Beverly Hills, California in the 1970s. After retiring, Theda found herself still very involved with Southwest Indian art and the artisans, now many of whom had become friends.

Desiring still to share her knowledge and love of this special art, she began to write books, some of which are represented here. Following this, she and her husband Michael traveled to visit friends and participate in the various trade shows as honored judges, another way to share their knowledge of the art.




Gene Balzer is a professor of photography at the University of Northern Arizona at Flagstaff and has photographed most of the collection of the Museum of Northern Arizona. He brings a creativity and sensitivity to the photography in Bassman’s books that best allow the art to be seen, next to the real thing in front of you.



Hopi Kachina Dolls and Their Carvers

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
In her first book, the author presents the work and the thoughts of 25 kachina doll carvers who have transcended successfully into all wood carving. Unique in that this book lets the carvers speak for their thoughtsand beliefs in carving the representations of the Hopi spiritual beings. In their first literary liaison, photographer Gene Balzer presents an excellent job of photographing the dolls and their carvers. Here is a Hano Mana doll, 9″ high by Muriel Navasie, known for her miniatures. Muriel’s career was tragically cut short some years ago while she was still in her 30’s.
168 pp., 167 color photos, 9 x 11 1/2, Library of Congress Catalog No. 91-65658, ISBN 0-88740-373-5, hc, $59.95, 1991

You can read some customer reviews of this book.




The Kachina Dolls of Cecil Calnimptewa

Their Power and Their Splendor

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
The author and photographer examine in depth Cecil Calnimptewa’s kachina doll carvings and the spirit behind the artistry in this limited edition. Here is an example of Cecil at work. And here is one of his dolls, the Corn Dance Leader or Sotungtaka. Cecil can be reached at 928-401-0642.

102 pp., 125 color photos, 9 x 11 1/2, ISBN 0-918080-85-1, hc, $34.95, 1994

You can read a customer review of this book

“Treasures of” series




Treasures of the Zuni

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
This book showcases nearly 600 items, from classics to modern innovations, affordable and rare. Complete with sections on kachinas, pottery, jewelry, beadwork, paintings and new crafts, Theda Bassman outlines the history of the tribe and its art, how the crafts are made and what new collectors should look for.


Northland Publishing – ISBN 0-87358-674-5, sc, $12.95, 1997





Treasures of the Navajo

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
Some may think that the Navajo craft is only weaving of rugs. While their reputation is well deserved, this book explores as well some of their lesser known but equally deserving art and the culture behind it.


Northland Publishing – ISBN 0-87358-673-5, sc, $12.95, 1997





Treasures of the Hopi

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
As with her other “Treasures of … ” series, this book showcases nearly 600 items, from classics to modern innovations, affordable and rare. Complete with sections on kachinas, pottery, jewelry, beadwork, paintings and new crafts, Theda Bassman outlines the history of the tribe and its art, how the crafts are made and what new collectors should look for.


Northland Publishing – ISBN 0-87358-672-7, sc, $12.95, 1997

“Beauty of” jewelry series





The Beauty of Zuni Jewelry

by Theda and Michael Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
The authors and photographer lay out a cornoucopia of the beautiful
and detailed work of Zuni jewelry, enough to make one’s mouth water.

Here are a couple of examples:


    Silver necklace with matching earrings, bracelet and ring made by Edith Tsabetsaye


    Two-sided pendant, with Sun God and butterfly made by Serena and Garrett Banteah.

64 pp., 83 color photos, 8 1/2 x 10 7/8, ISBN
0-88740-413-8, sc, $12.95, 1992




The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
In this first of the “Beauty of” series, the author offers an in-depth look at the Hopi’s unique style of jewelry. Gene Balzer once again
does a wonderful job with the photography. 59 pp., 66 color photos, 8 x 10 7/8, ISBN 0-918080-24-X, sc, $12.95, 1993

Now re-printed by Kiva Publishing 1022 East Water St. Santa Fe, NM. 87501
ISBN 1-885772-01-7





The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry

by Theda Bassman

photography by Gene Balzer
Theda Bassman offers an in-depth look at the Navajo’s unique style of jewelry. Gene Balzer reprises with his wonderful photography. Here’s the back cover.

Kiva Publishing 1022 East Water St. Santa Fe, NM. 87501

ISBN 1-885772-02-5, sc, $16.95, 1997



Contact Theda’s son Gary via email at: gary@chena.org,
phone (907) 488-2001, or by mail at 1083 Esro Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99712 for information on purchasing any of these books not currently listed with publishers.


Southwest Indian Art Links