Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism: Sacred Ceremonies of North America
Grade 9 Up-A compilation of anthropological research gathered during the past three centuries, this scholarly work tackles the attitudes toward and accomplishments of Native American shamans. Over time, western European prejudices and beliefs have been superimposed on this information. Attempts have been made in this volume to remove doubt or suspicion of shamans and their abilities, and to report the facts without prejudice. The book is "...written from the point of view of the natives themselves, that is, in the belief that shamans can do what they say they can do." The articles are arranged alphabetically, and most of the entry titles are in the Native languages. The extensive index includes both subject and tribal name entries, which should aid students requiring information about specific tribes. This volume focuses on the non-healing applications of shamanism and is meant as a companion to Lyon's Encyclopedia of Native American Healing (ABC-CLIO, 1996). Some terms are only defined in the earlier work, almost forcing a dual purchase. Plant usage, a popular research topic, is not addressed, although a lengthy segment on ethnobotany is included. The black-and-white illustrations do not always coincide with entries, making them more decorative than useful. Overall, an interesting, favorable treatment of magic in Native society for larger collections.Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State LibraryCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.