Title: Faces in the forest : First Nations art created on living trees /
Authors: Blackstock, Michael D., 1961-
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press,
Year: 2001
Subjects: Indian wood-carving Canada.; Trees Canada.; Indian cosmology Canada.; Indian art Canada.; Forests and forestry Canada; Indian wood-carving British Columbia.; Indian wood-carving Yukon.; Tree carving British Columbia.; Tree carving Yukon.; Indians of North America British Columbia Religion.; Indians of North America Yukon Religion.
Abstract: "In Faces in the Forest Michael Blackstock, a forester and artist, takes us into the sacred forest, revealing the mysteries of carvings, paintings, and writings done on living trees by First Nations people. Blackstock details this rare art form through oral histories related by the Elders, blending spiritual and academic perspectives on Native art, cultural geography, and traditional ecological knowledge." "Faces in the Forest begins with a review of First Nations cosmology and the historical references to tree art. Blackstock then takes us on a metaphorical journey along the remnants of trading and trapping trails to tree art sites in the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Tlingit, Carrier, and Dene traditional territories, before concluding with reflections on the function and meaning of tree art, its role within First Nations cosmology, and the need for greater respect for all of our natural resources. This fascinating study of a haunting and little-known cultural phenomenon helps us to see our forests with new eyes."--Jacket.
Contents: Map of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory -- Prologue / Doreen Jensen (Hahl Yee) -- Foreword / Antonia Mills -- 1. The Long Way Around Is Closer to Home -- 2. Preparing for the Journey -- 3. The Journey -- 4. Campfire Reflections on the Journey -- App. Comparison of Art History and Anthropological Research Methods.