The Iroquois ceremonial of midwinter (A New York State study) - Hardcover

Tooker, Elisabeth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0815621493 ISBN 13: 9780815621492

Publisher: Syracuse University Press, 1970

Synopsis

This work examines the Midwinter ceremonial, the longest and most complex ritual of the Longhouse religion, in three parts. It looks at the principles of Iroquois ritualism, detailed accounts of the ritual as it is performed nowadays and its historical context.

About this title

Review:

Reproduces and analyzes descriptions of the Midwinter dating from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries. Ethnologists and ethnohistorians alike will be much indebted to the author for bringing this scattered information together and providing a careful evaluation of it. (Barbara Graymont, author of The Iroquois in the American Revolution)

Tooker has writer an excellent book valuable not only to the North American Indian specialist, but also to any student of comparative religion. (Journal of American Folklore)

The book, carefully researched, is a valuable addition to the growing literature of Iroquois ritualism, supplementing the works of Beauchamp, Hewitt, Morgan, Speck, Parker, Blau, and Fenton. Especially recommended for students of anthropology and religion. (Choice)

"Tooker's work is written from a point of view outside Iroquois culture, its very objectivity constitutes a virtue to all non-Iroquois. . . . In the sense that it indicates the religious forms people still have as live options in today's world. The Iroquois Ceremonial of Midwinter may be quite valuable to the younger generation. (Saturday Review)

About this edition

• Publisher: Syracuse University Press
• Publication date: 1970
• ISBN 10: 0815621493
• ISBN 13: 9780815621492
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 189