Peyote religious art

by Daniel C. Swan

An examination of the vibrant traditional and folk arts inspired with the sacramental use of peyote by members of the Native American Church. Works by self-taught and informally trained artists make up the diverse traditional and folk arts associated with the peyote religion. Peyote art displays an amazing range of genres, including carving, beadwork, featherwork, metalsmithing, and painting. The ritual objects and religious setting of the peyote religion provide core elements for the rich symbolism associated with the art of the Native American Church. Featuring previously unpublished first-person narratives by practitioners of the religion and by artists, this book is the first to give a comprehensive examination of the art of peyote religion and the church. It is enhanced by photographs of art objects from museum collections, of works by contemporary artists, and of materials from private family collections.