Author: Suzanne J. Crawford File Type: pdf This extensive work goes beyond similar surveys that focus only on anthropology and history and explores the religious practices, movements, institutions, key figures, ceremonial systems, and religious accoutrements indigenous to North America, from the precontact era to the present. Taking a deep and informed look specifically at the religious and spiritual nature of Native Americans, the encyclopedia places traditions within their historical and theoretical context, examining their relevance within Native religious life and practice as well as within the academic study of religion.Topics covered include key ideas and issues, religious and political leaders, primary ceremonies, mythic figures, and related cultural subjects, such as basketry, whaling, farming, and bison hunting, which have religious significance for Native peoples. Contributors include noted scholars of American Indian religious culture, including many who come from tribal traditions and can offer valuable insights and observations from their personal experience.From BooklistThe purpose of these volumes is to compile a set of articles to define the study of American Indian religious traditions as they are understood by the people within the communities. More than half of the nearly 100 authors are of Native American descent. The editors felt that it was important to represent the true nature and context of Native religious life, and to that end, they have taken some liberties with the encyclopedia format, making the index in the third volume essential for locating specific information. In some entries, first-person accounts and the citing of Native elders as authoritative sources represent further departures from standard encyclopedia conventions. In general, content is presented in long entries covering topics broadly rather than in short, dictionary-style treatments. Coverage of topics such as dance, ritual and ceremony, and religious leadership is divided by geographic region (for example, Religious leadership, Alaska Religious leadership, Great Lakes). Each entry is followed by suggestions for further reading and research. Names and terminologies are given in their original language (Kwakwakwakw instead of Kwakiutl), but the index helps alleviate confusion. Preceding the entries is a regional survey with maps. A table of contents is repeated at the beginning of each volume, and an appendix at the end of volume 3 lists the 500 tribes recognized by the U.S Bureau of Indian Affairs. The encyclopedia includes a wide variety of black-and-white photos. Perhaps the only other book covering this topic is the Encyclopedia of Native American Religions (Facts On File, 2000), which is not as academic in its coverage but gives more complete detail on individual rites and persons, making it a good companion volume. American Indian Religious Traditions An Encyclopedia is highly recommended for academic and large public library collections. Diana Shonrock American Library Association. ltReviewThe set is a great addition to reference works on Native Americans. It is recommended for any library with a Native American collection. It is a unique set since many of the authors of the entries are Native Americans.ullulcurledup.comThis ambitious study of Native American religion, put together by scholars Crawford and Kelley boasts upward of 100 contributors, more than half of whom are Native Americans, and covers such general subjects as oral traditions, spiritual and ceremonial practitioners, dance, healing, and art. High school and public libraries encountering the vast canvas of Native American spiritual life should consider purchasing it.ullulLibrary JournalAmerican Indian Religious Traditions An Encyclopedia is highly recommended for academic and large public library collections.ullulBooklistThis three-volume encyclopedia is designed to define the academic study of American Indian religious traditions and to provide a reference that is sensitive to the political and ethical concerns of Native communities.ullulReference & Research Book NewsAmerican Indian Religious Traditions represents the great range of Indian spiritual traditions found in the United States and is a good start for readers and students interested in learning more about our indigenous cultures.ullulAmerican Reference Books AnnualRecommended. All levels.ullulChoice

Author: mnovine.hr File Type: pdf