The Decorative Art of the Amur Tribes

The Decorative Art of the Amur Tribes

Author: Berthold Laufer

Year: 1902

The Decorative Art of the Amur Tribes by Berthold Laufer, published in 1902, is an anthropological study based on the author’s fieldwork during the Jesup North Pacific Expedition (1898–1899). Conducted under the auspices of the American Museum of Natural History, Laufer’s research focused on the indigenous tribes of the Amur River region in eastern Siberia and Sakhalin Island, including the Gilyak (Nivkh), Tungus (Evenk), and other related groups. This work, part of the Memoirs of the American Museum of Natural History (Volume VII), examines the decorative arts and material culture of these tribes, offering insights into their aesthetic traditions and cultural influences. Summary The book is not a narrative but a detailed scholarly analysis, combining ethnographic observation with descriptions of artifacts. Laufer documents the ornamental designs found on everyday objects such as clothing, utensils, weapons, and birch-bark containers, emphasizing their artistic styles and potential cultural significance. The study is richly illustrated with 33 plates (including two in color) and 23 text figures, showcasing patterns like spirals, fish motifs, animal figures, and geometric shapes. La