Description
Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts offers a unique perspective on the dream catcher, an item sold in airport souvenir stands, powwows, and novelty stores. Anthropologist Cath Oberholtzer traces the origins of this object that is most often found in Ojibwe culture and produces a 152-page coffee table book that explores in depth the meaning of this artifact. Originally made to ease the nightmares of a child, the dream catcher is traced to its cultural roots among the Algonquian Nations. The author discusses the significance of dreams and dreaming; the importance of power in lines and knots; dream catchers today. The marketing of First Nations fine arts and crafts goes hand-in-hand with the wider public’s fascination with Aboriginal peoples. The final sections of the book discuss current artists and manufacturers and the future for dream catchers. Mi’kmaw artist Nick Huard created many of the dream catchers photographed in the book. Over 40 colour photographs are included along with archival images, an index and bibliography. Author Cath Oberholtzer taught anthropology at Trent University in Peterborough and died prior to this book’s publication. Recommended