First published in 1977 and unavailable for several years, Indian
Fishing is more than a sterile account of the technology of
fishing; it considers the momentous role of fish and fishing in the
lives of the Northwest Coast peoples. A classic, thoroughly
researched and informative text, it examines fishing techniques of
the peoples who have lived on the coast for over nine thousand
years, revealing their rich and complex culture. Hilary Stewart
gathered material from museum archives, fish camps, and coastal
village elders to document the Native heritage of handmade hooks,
lines, sinkers, lures, floats, clubs, spears, harpoons, nets,
traps, rakes, gaffs, and more. With more than 300 clear and
detailed drawings, she illustrated how these tools were made and
used. She twisted cedar bark and nettle fibers into cod fishing
lines, and steam-bent a stem of yew into a halibut hook. Here,
reprinted in full, is her original work, covering everything from
how the catch was butchered, cooked, and preserved, to the prayers
and ceremonies in gratitude to the fish, as well as customs and
taboos that demonstrated the peoples' respect for this life-giving
resource. Though there have been transformations in knowledge and
scholarship since its first publication, Stewart's benchmark work,
with its usefulness, artistry, and appreciation of Native culture,
will be welcomed back into print.
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