Author
Matilda Coxe Stevenson
1850-1915
Matilda Coxe Stevenson (1850-1915) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Matilda Coxe Stevenson
The Sia (1894 N 11 / 1889-1890 (pages 3-158))
"The Sia" by Matilda Coxe Stevenson is a detailed ethnographic study written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the Sia people, a Native American Pueblo tribe, exploring their history, cosmogony, rituals, and various societal practices. The text provides an in-depth examination of both the cultural and spiritual life of the Sia, offering insights into their beliefs, social structure, and interactions with surrounding communities. The opening of "The Sia" introduces the remnants of the once-thriving pueblo and paints a poignant picture of its decline due to warfare, disease, and the oppressive weight of colonization. Stevenson highlights the Sia's struggle to preserve their cultural identity while facing external pressures, particularly from Spanish colonizers intent on eradicating their ancestral beliefs. The narrative reveals the significant threats these people have endured, detailing the connections between their cosmological views, community ceremonies, and the persistence of their traditional practices despite the overwhelming challenges they face. The initial chapters set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the Sia's cultural legacy and rituals, inviting readers into a world deeply intertwined with significance, myth, and resilience.
The Religious Life of the Zuñi Child
"The Religious Life of the Zuñi Child" by Matilda Coxe Stevenson is an ethnographic account written in the early 20th century. This scientific publication delves into the rich spiritual and cultural practices of the Zuñi people, specifically from the perspective of their children. It explores various rituals and beliefs that define the religious upbringing of Zuñi children, showcasing the interplay between mythology and daily life. The book provides an in-depth examination of the myths, customs, and ceremonies integral to the religious life of a Zuñi child, starting from birth and continuing through initiation into sacred orders. Stevenson describes the family's ceremonial practices related to childbearing, the rituals surrounding the birth of a child, and the various ways children are prepared for adulthood, particularly focusing on their involuntary and voluntary initiation into the Kōk-kō order. The text captures the essence of Zuñi spirituality, illustrating how children are immersed in their cultural heritage from a very young age, as they participate in a blend of mythological narratives, community rituals, and the worship of their deities, notably the Sun.