The Pitjantjatjara and Their Crafts

by Peter Brokensha

The Aboriginal Arts Board, 1975, [Second Printing], ISBN 0642935297, black and white photographs throughout, large paperback

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, ex-library with stamp to tile page and sticker residue to back endpaper, stickers to back cover and spine, no inscriptions, uncreased spine (see photographs)

“This monograph deals with one such group of Pitjantjatjara who left Amata settlement Ernabella mission to establish new self-determining settlements in the Mann and Tomkinson Ranges in the far north-west of South Australia.
the history of the peoples contact with Europeans is discussed, their departure from their homeland and their return.  The way of life of the Pitjantjatjara in a new decentralised community is also outlined and the range as well as the method of manufacture of traditional and adapted crafts is described.  The development of the artifact industry is traced and its importance to the people discussed.
the final chapter discusses some of the problems the people are facing in this new situation and suggests ways in which these groups may be assisted to survive.
This work is based on intermittent contact with Amata settlement since 1971 and a period of approximately three months spent with the Pitjantjatjara at Amata and a decentralised settlement early in 1975.”