Colorful blossoms, birds, and geometric patterns in beadwork fill the pages of this book inspired by a popular exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center and the Pembina State Museum. The exhibit and book feature stunning examples of craftsmanship, creativity, and color, the Chippewa exhibit includes garments, bandolier bags, and other items adorned with glass trade beads sewn in intricate patterns. Several of the outstanding pieces were selected for publication in the exhibit book.
The book, with 26 color photographs, includes a foreword written by Leslie Peltier, an instructor at Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt. The introduction, written by Mark Halvorson, curator of collections research at the State Historical Society of North Dakota, summarizes the history of the Chippewa people in North Dakota and explains the cultural importance of the beads and patterns.