Rifles, Blankets, and Beads: Identity, History, and the Northern Athapaskan Potlatch (Volume 216) (The Civilization of the American Indian Series) - Softcover

Simeone, William E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0806135085 ISBN 13: 9780806135083

Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press, 2002

Synopsis

Whoever heard of a party at which the hosts lavishly give away presents, refusing to accept any gifts in return, keeping little for themselves? This is the custom of the Northern Athapaskan potlatch, a tradition that has long fascinated Americans. In Rifles, Blankets, and Beads, William E. Simeone explores the potlatch and its role in balancing competition and cooperation among the Tanacross people, a Northern Athapaskan culture.

According to Simeone, the potlatch tradition helps the Tanacross people uphold standards of acceptable behavior through curbing competitiveness and stressing the ideals of cooperation. Simeone also examines Northern Athapaskan leadership practices, the introduction of trade goods into Athapaskan culture, and the complexities of cultural identity for the Tanacross.

About this title

About the Author:

William E. Simeone works for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence. He is the author of several books and articles on Northern Athapaskan culture.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0806135085
• ISBN 13: 9780806135083
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216