Painful Beauty

Discover the captivating world of Tlingit women's beadwork in Painful Beauty by Megan A. Smetzer, published in 2021. This award-winning book, honored with the 2024 Charles C. Eldredge Prize by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, delves into the vibrant traditions of Indigenous artistry. Spanning 277 pages, Painful Beauty highlights over 150 years of Tlingit women artists who have skillfully created colorful and intricate designs on various items such as moccasins, dolls, octopus bags, and tunics. This compelling narrative reveals how beading served as a vital form of cultural expression and resilience during a time when Indigenous practices faced significant repression. Join Smetzer in celebrating the beauty and strength of Tlingit heritage through the lens of these remarkable artists.