The works of contemporary Native artists from the Northwest Coast and desert Southwest regions of North America are enormously popular today, especially in the realm of jewelry. This handsome book, and the traveling exhibition it accompanies, explores how the cultures from each region continue to communicate beliefs and traditions through visual adornment, and examines the cross-cultural influences between the peoples of these very different areas. The core of the book consists of personal statements by 39 artists, who discuss their lives, their beliefs, and their approach to art- and jewelry-making. Lavish illustrations, both historical images and new photographs by noted photographer Togashi, bring the subject to life, while supporting texts by general editor Kari Chalker, curators Lois Sherr Dubin and Peter M. Whiteley, Haida artist Jim Hart, and anthropologist Martine Reid provide background and insight. "Totems to Turquoise will be an important resource for students, scholars, and designers, as,well as anyone who loves beautiful and well-made objects.