[audiobook] The Archaeology of Art in the American Southwest (Issues in Southwest Archaeology) by Marit K. Munson in Arts-Photography

Review

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. An Impressive OverviewBy Stuart SchulzMaybe I was expecting a coffee table showpiece for the price of this book. or maybe the impressive cover suggested riches inside as yet unseen by a poor artist and explorer of the Southwest like me...but what I got for $60 was a real disappointment. While author Munson writes with clarity and sincerity of purpose. the book contains a very meager supply of photos(all black and white). maps(one). or other graphic material. although there are over 30 pages of bibliography. And we all know what happens when anyone. even a brilliant writer. just talks about art without showing us anything --the eyes glaze quickly and sleep follows. Not that the lack of art in an art book is the worst flaw. Much more damaging is the book fails to find a focus. but skims across all periods and all localities scattering citations like raindrops without ever landing to examine one art story in detail. In fact. the book is organized by abstract categories. such as Art vs. artifact. the audience. aesthetics. images. the future--all huge categories that need some specific focus to keep them grounded. and at least a few pictures! For someone who wants a ozone-high overview of all art in the Southwest. this book might work. and may even be worth the price just for the bibliography for some. But for anyone who wants to sink into a gripping story of. say Mimbre pottery. they should look elsewhere.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An important book in Southwest archaeology!By John KantnerThis clearly written and fascinating book explores a topic that many archaeologists are reluctant to tackle -- Native American art. The concept of "art" has largely been avoided in Southwestern archaeology. with most scholars preferring to use terms like "artifacts" and "craft specialization" that remove aesthetics and notions of representation from discussion of past peoples lives. In chapters with titles such as "Audiences." "Images." and "Aesthetics." Dr. Munson bravely brings ancient Native art into dialogue with wider discussions of what art is and means to all people. past and present. Archaeologists. archaeology students. and those interested in the ancient Southwest will enjoy this book.