Author
James Mooney
1861-1921
James Mooney (1861-1921) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by James Mooney
Myths of the Cherokee Extract from the Nineteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology
"Myths of the Cherokee" by James Mooney is an ethnographical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a detailed study that compiles various myths, legends, and historical contexts of the Cherokee tribe, offering insights into their culture, beliefs, and traditions. The text is rooted in extensive fieldwork conducted by the author over several years, with the intent to document and preserve the rich oral traditions and historical narratives of one of the most significant Indigenous tribes in the United States. The opening of the work introduces the reader to the context in which these myths were collected, emphasizing the importance of preserving Cherokee traditions and language. Mooney reflects on the impact of historical events on the tribe and highlights the role of older generations in maintaining the tribe's lore despite external cultural pressures. The initial chapters focus on the purpose of the work, the author's gratitude toward various contributors to his research, and a brief historical sketch of the Cherokee. This sets the stage for the detailed collection of cosmogonic myths, stories about animals, and legends that illustrate not only the tribe’s views of the world but also their deep connection to the land and their heritage.
Calendar history of the Kiowa Indians. (1898 N 17 / 1895-1896 (pages 129-444))
"Calendar History of the Kiowa Indians" by James Mooney is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Kiowa tribe, examining their unique systems of recorded history through calendars and pictographs that capture significant events spanning decades. It also explores their sociopolitical structures, religious practices, and interactions with neighboring tribes and European settlers. The opening of the memoir introduces the concept of historical documentation among Indigenous peoples, particularly focusing on the Kiowa's system of calendars that chronicle their societal events, seasonal changes, and disasters like smallpox outbreaks. Mooney emphasizes the significance of these records in preserving the tribe's memory against the encroaching influences of modernity. He outlines the diverse sources of these records and the various methods employed by the Kiowa to maintain their history, providing a contextual framework that underscores the importance of oral tradition and pictographic representation in Indigenous cultures.
The Ghost-dance religion and the Sioux outbreak of 1890 : $b Fourteenth annual report of the Bureau of Ethnology, part 2.
"The Ghost-Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890" by James Mooney is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work investigates the origins and significance of the Ghost Dance among Native American tribes, specifically focusing on the Sioux and the circumstances surrounding their outbreak in 1890. The book also explores the broader implications of the movement as a religious revival amidst the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in North America. The opening of this significant work introduces the context from which Mooney's research emerges, detailing his initial investigations into the Ghost Dance and its rapid spread among various tribes such as the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Mooney recounts his firsthand experiences and extensive travels to different tribes, highlighting his interactions with the adherents of the Ghost Dance. He emphasizes the deeper purpose behind the movement, linking it to a profound longing for redemption and revitalization among Native Americans facing cultural and existential crises due to encroaching colonial influences. Through careful documentation and analysis, the author sets the stage for understanding the Ghost Dance and its implications for Indigenous spirituality and resistance.
The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees Seventh Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1885-1886, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1891, pages 301-398
"The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees" by James Mooney is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the preservation of the sacred knowledge and medical practices of the Cherokee people, including over six hundred formulas related to medicine, love, hunting, and spirituality. It provides insight into the beliefs and customs of the Cherokee, illustrating the unique intersection of their ancient religion with their practical life. At the start of the book, Mooney introduces the collection of sacred formulas he obtained from Cherokee shamans on a reservation in North Carolina during the late 1800s. He details the significance of these manuscripts, emphasizing how they serve not only as a medical compendium but also as a reflection of Cherokee culture and spirituality. The opening chapters discuss the origins of these formulas, the challenges of gathering them, and the intricate relationship between the shamans and their community. Through various stories and explanations, Mooney seeks to highlight the depth of Cherokee traditions and the importance of their healing practices within the broader context of their sacred beliefs.