What makes Northwest Coast Native American art authentic? And why,when most of art history is a history of the avant-garde, is traditionso deeply valued by contemporary Native American artists and theirpatrons? In Privileging the Past Judith Ostrowitz approachesthese questions through a careful consideration of replicas,reproductions, and creative translations of past forms of NorthwestCoast dances, ceremonies, masks, painted screens, and houses. Ostrowitzexamines several different art forms -- two very differentarchitectural constructions, a dance performance, and modern sculpturesand dance paraphernalia -- considering their relations to arts of thepast.

Ostrowitz draws on an extensive body of interviews she conductedwith tribal leaders, artists, and artisans long known and highlyrespected in both Native and non-Native venues. Throughout the book, wehear their voices -- members of the Alfred, Cranmer, Hunt, Tallio andWebster families, and many other individuals -- as they relate theirresponses to the modern adaptation of their cultural heritage.

Privileging the Past explores intellectual issues raised bypostmodern theory, supported by detailed studies of projects that willinterest a boad audience of students, historians, museum-goers, andthose intrigued by Native American art and cultural history.