American Indian Religious Traditions [3 Volumes]:An Encyclopedia

Description

Written from an American Indian perspective with input from religious scholars and community leaders| this pioneering reference work explores indigenous North American religions and religious practices and rituals. How is peyote used in Native American religious ceremonies? How do various tribes conduct the rites of birth| adolescence| marriage| and death? What is potlatch and why was its practice forbidden? Readers will see how religious tradition influences Native American social| political| and material culture and vice versa. 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 precontact era to the present.