Handbook of Native American Mythology (World Mythology)

This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume. This Revealing Work Introduces Readers To The Mythologies Of Native Americans From The United States To The Arctic Circle--a Rich, Complex, And Diverse Body Of Lore, Which Remains Less Widely Known Than Mythologies Of Other Peoples And Places. In Thematic Chapters And Encyclopedia-style Entries, Handbook Of Native American Mythology Examines The Characters And Deities, Rituals, Sacred Locations And Objects, Concepts, And Stories That Define And Distinguish Mythological Cultures Across The Indigenous Peoples. By Tracing The Traditions As Far Back As Possible And Following Their Evolution From Generation To Generation, Handbook Of Native American Mythology Offers A Unique Perspective On Native American History, Culture, And Values. It Also Shows How Central These Traditions Are To Contemporary Native American Life, Including The Continuing Struggle For Land Rights, Economic Parity, And Repatriation Of Cultural Property. 1. Introduction -- 2. Time -- 3. Deities, Themes, And Concepts -- 4. Annotated Print And Nonprint Resources -- 5. Reference List -- 6. Glossary. By Dawn E. Bastian And Judy K. Mitchell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Popular Hopi kachina dolls and awesome totem poles are but two of the aspects of the sophisticated, seldom-examined network of mythologies explored in this fascinating volume.This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle—a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places.In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define and distinguish mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circleoa rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places.In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define and distinguish mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circleóa rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define and distinguish mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property