First American Art : The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection by Bruce Bernstein and Gerald McMaster, Book, copyright 2004

First American Art: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of American Indian Art is a landmark publication documenting one of the finest private collections of Native American art ever assembled. Published in conjunction with the groundbreaking exhibition organized by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, this richly illustrated volume presents more than 200 masterworks representing the artistic traditions of Indigenous peoples throughout North America.

Rather than organizing the collection by region or object type, the editors explore Native American art through seven aesthetic principles—idea, emotion, intimacy, movement, integrity, vocabulary, and composition. This innovative approach encourages viewers to appreciate these works not only as cultural artifacts but also as exceptional works of art in their own right. The collection includes outstanding examples of beadwork, quillwork, basketry, pottery, textiles, sculpture, ceremonial objects, and personal adornment from a wide range of Native cultures.

Featuring essays by leading scholars, curators, artists, and critics, along with exceptional full-color photography, this volume remains an important reference for collectors, museums, and students of Native American art. The Diker Collection has since become one of the most celebrated collections of Indigenous art in North America, and this publication stands as an essential resource for understanding its artistic significance.

Editors: Bruce Bernstein and Gerald McMaster
Publisher: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in association with University of Washington Press
Copyright: 2004
Format: Hardcover and Softcover editions issued simultaneously
Pages: 263
Illustrations: Extensive full-color photography throughout