Native American Survival Skills: How to Make Primitive Tools and Crafts from Natural Materials

This is a review of the Kindle Edition of this compilation of the author's writings from the 1930's and 40's. The Wisconsin-born author was a self-taught expert on the craft of the Plains and Woodland Indians, and spent most of his life in teaching, art work, writing and lecturing about Indiancraft and Campcraft. The intent of this book is to touch on and teach various aspects of these crafts, from tool making and use to raw materials and the making of clothing and decorative items. The sources for much of the material were first hand interviews with "old timers"; often photos of artifacts and historic photographs of Indian activities reflect the projects in the book - these were from the archives of the Museum of the American Indian in New York City.While many of these crafts are now only practiced in 'outdoor living museum' reenactment settings around the country, they can be utilized to make tools, clothe, and enjoy life. Likely the title reflects the current 'survivalist' mood. One thing is certain: reading this book helps one to realize how difficult and time consuming it was or would be to make the things made by our ancestors.Is there useful information to glean from this book beyond such admiration? Yes, there are many projects one might actually consider tackling with "how-to" information (not as detailed as you might like, but adequate) on tools, shelters, and items of clothing.I've rated this 4/5, considering it an interesting glimpse into history showing how, with much pains-taking and pride, utility items we take for so much for granted today were made, and finding in it useful recommendations for the tool box and possible craft items. Much of the book, however, describes items unique to the American Indian culture - for most readers, more historic than useful. There is also a number of handcraft items that are necessity-based, such as tools, moccasins, baskets, cups and vessels, hide clothing, packs, and shelters; such 'how-to' knowledge may appeal to the survivalist or historian, but for most remains history, not projects to attempt or a skill to learn.A good read for someone who appreciates the early editions of the Boy Scout Handbook, or the related Scout Fieldbook; the print copy of this book would be placed alongside those on your bookshelf

Skills of the Native Americans are often overlooked and credit for basic survival is given to the mountain men and early American explorers. Where did they learn their skills? From the Native American Indians that met the boats and taught the city folks from Europe how to survive without stores and warehouses to supply them. This book is very good at giving the modern urban and suburban dwellers the same type of information. Even if nothing happens the requires the use of the information, it is good to know how to do it. These tactics and skills are great fun when camping out with the kids or grandkids.

I've enjoyed Ben Hunt's books since I was a cub scout all the way through scouting and then into the adult leadership roles and Order Of The Arrow membership.This book is well written and the fact that is written on the Boy Scout levels makes it not only ideal for young people but adults as well!Good information, good pictures and good diagrams and drawings of how things fit together. I have mine in the Kindle format and with my elderly eyes it would be better for me to have a larger version of Ben's descriptions and some of the instructions, but that is easy to get around with a magnifier.Well worth your time for projects and reference!

This is a really fascinating book that shows how to duplicate Native American crafts - it's not a "survival" guide at all. It has great projects for making Indian clothing, headdresses, utensils, weapons, moccasins, snowshoes, musical instruments - this list is large. I think back a long time ago, and I wish I had this book when I was a Boy Scout - this would have been an absolutely ideal fund of invaluable information for me at that time.If you know a Boy Scout or anyone interested in woodcraft skills, get them this book. It's great source of information that will be priceless to them.

I enjoyed some of the crafts and lore and History. The content is not about how the Indians did things "way back then" and it even includes methods that require modern electrical tools! That seems like a big Oo0ps to me! It makes a nice coffee table book otherwise but don't think of it as a back to basics survival book, definitely not!

Great reference to add to any outdoorsman library

I had read the book about 40 years ago and it was nice to find it at Amazone.ca as an eBook. I had searched quite a few book stores with out success The eBook is exactly the same as I remembered the printed version was.

I teach reading to an eleven year old boy who is interested in scouts but not really reading.He couldn’t put it down!! We’re planning on following directions to make a pair of moccasins. The greater gift was an interest in reading.

Got into Wildwood Native American Love Flutes :) full of terrific things to make and do :)

Very good

This book tells NOTHING about survival skills of Native Americans! Instead it should be called "Native American Arts & Crafts". It is full of nicely painted and printed plates, short descriptions (with little detail) showing you how to make your own leather costume, beadwork necklace, moccasins and such, but there are much better books on these subjects out there.

THIS IS A VERY INFORMATIVE BOOK AND I WOULD TELL ANYONE TO PURCHASE IT BECAUSE IT IS FULL OF INFORMATION THAT COULD SAVE THEIR LIVES IF THEY NEED TO BE IN THE WOODS OR DESERT AND NEEDED HELP.

Very colorful diagram s