Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism: Sacred Ceremonies of North America - Hardcover

Lyon, William S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0874369339 ISBN 13: 9780874369335

Publisher: ABC-CLIO, 1998

Synopsis

Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism focuses on "medicine" or sacred ceremonies conducted through shamans in which the power of the Creator is made manifest for all to behold.

· Includes biographies of key anthropologists

About this title

About the Author:

William S. Lyon is professor of anthropology serving on the graduate faculty of the Center for Religious Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, where he specializes in Native American religion. He is the author of several books for ABC-CLIO.

From School Library Journal:

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 Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0874369339
• ISBN 13: 9780874369335
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 506