I loved the detail in this biography of Clitso Dedman, a 20th Century Navajo woodcarving artist. He had a fascinating life as a student at a (poorly) government run Native American school, blacksmith, railroad worker, trading post owner, art dealer, guide to presidents and artists, construction foreman, and finally (after illness reduced his mobility) woodcarver and artist. I would have loved more pictures of his actual art though and more of a discussion of his place in Navajo and southwestern art history as well as a better description of why he is an important artist to rediscover.

My first white girl experience with kachina dancers was being a toddler, watching Gumby (my hero) on our black and white TV. There were a number of episodes featuring these beautiful images and figures and I've been intrigued all my life. To find a book such as Rebecca M. Valette has written and provided to further educate people on them, from a Navajo perspective and artist was irresistible for this reader.

Clitso Dedman, is not this artist's birth name. It is the name Americans used as his uniqueness and various successes as one who was willing to learn white ways created a conspicuousness that stayed with him throughout his life. He could explain and translate for whites talking to native peoples, and could go the other direction just as nimbly.

The author explores his origins in his clans, and the experiences he and his family had when Indian School attendance was imposed on his people. She provides her deeply researched information and obvious passion in Clitso's abilities and the ways he found to thrive in a system and environment where many did not. His exceptionalism is not portrayed at the expense of his fellows, but rather to show the unusualness of his spirit. Along with his personal experiences, the author provides context in both place, nation (Navajo / USA), and is very clear that the diversity of the first nations was thoroughly quashed by the imposition of America and other nations to constantly regard all first nations into one homogenous tribe. Although Ms. Valette's focus is on the Navajo culture and peoples generally, and on Mr. Dedman particularly, she shows in her endpapers the many different versions, tribes, clans and people who also engaged in making images of these dancing gods. . . the figures I called (and loved): kachina dolls.

It is a welcome addition to our world that this book was written, recognizing missteps, and casting a long glance at the histories we've been taught. In that process we are sure to find others who need recognition and proper attribution for their labors, art and sacrifice. A celebration of Clitso Dedman and his work has been a long time landing on our book shelves!

*A sincere thank you to Rebecca M. Valette, University of Nebraska Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #ClitsoDedmanNavajoCarver #NetGalley

This book is primarily for readers interested in Native American folk art. The artist began carving figures in his sixties after working as a machinist, blacksmith and managing trading posts. The book covers the impact of railroad development on the Southwest, which I was familiar with from having visited the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. The railroad magnates built the rails, hotels and provided excursions for wealthy clients interested in Native American archeology and artwork. The tourist trade was developed by the railroad magnates, and the Native American trade posts sold blankets, jewelry, pottery and other artwork much like they do today. Dedman’s figures from the 1940s are included in the collection at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture in Santa Fe.

The author did a great job of bringing artist Clitso Dedman's work to light. I was able to appreciate the harships, hope, aspiration and inspiration of Clitso Dedman who shaped himself as the life circumstances kept changing. The art work is beautifully displayed and well researched.

An interesting biography about a Navajo Carver by the name of Clitso Dedman. I did enjoy this and found it interesting overall, but to be honest I was expecting more on the art of the figures, They are discussed but not until 2/3rds of the book is done. Would recommend though, as it shows a story of a talented and interesting man.