Directed by anthropologist Alexander Lesser in 1935; the Santa Fe Laboratory of Anthropology sponsored a field school in southwestern Oklahoma that focused on the neighboring Kiowas. During two months; graduate students compiled more than 1;300 pages of single-spaced field notes derived from cross-interviewing thirty-five Kiowas. These eyewitness and first-generation reflections on the horse and buffalo days are undoubtedly the best materials available for reconstructing pre-reservation Kiowa beliefs and rituals. The field school compiled massive data resulting in a number of publications on this formerly nomadic Plains tribe; though the planned collaborative ethnographies never materialized. The extensive Kiowa field notes; which contain invaluable information; remained largely unpublished until now. In Kiowa Belief and Ritual; Benjamin R. Kracht reconstructs Kiowa cosmology during the height of the horse and buffalo culture from field notes pertaining to cosmology; visions; shamans; sorcery; dream shields; tribal bundles; and the now-extinct Sun Dance ceremony. These topics are interpreted through the Kiowa concept of a power force permeating the universe. Additional data gleaned from the field notes of James Mooney and Alice Marriott enrich the narrative. Drawing on more than thirty years of field experiences; Kracht’s discussion of how indigenous notions of “power†are manifested today significantly enhances the existing literature concerning Plains religions.
#337078 in Books Lyons Press 2016-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.14 x .96 x 6.32l; .0 #File Name: 1493024647264 pagesLyons Press
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A timely book on presidential leadership during times of crisis.By Dennis E GonzalezOnce again; Tevi Troy writes an insightful and fascinating book on the American Presidency. Riveting from beginning to end; this book is unique in that it not only provides an inimitable perspective on the history of presidential crisis management; but it also astutely utilizes these anecdotes of presidential leadership (or lack thereof) to impart to the reader the importance of personal crisis management preparedness. Millions of Americans – myself included – have faced the reality that when disaster has struck; we have been forced to depend on family; neighbors and friends to confront the immediate consequences of the crisis before help arrived from federal or local authorities. A must read not only for any presidential history buff; but also for anyone who is (and should be) concerned about maintaining their family and communities safe during a disaster.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wildly Interesting.By Christian JosiIt's been a while since I've come across a book that I can't put down. This is so wildly interesting and well written. If peeks behind the scenes into how things work are your thing (as they are mine); this one is particularly for you.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. eye openerBy Kurt Jorgensengood reading sure opens your eyes of how much the government is involved in our lives!
