Ralph Linton
Use of tobacco among North American Indians
"Use of Tobacco among North American Indians" by Ralph Linton is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the cultural, agricultural, and ceremonial significance of tobacco among North American Indigenous peoples. It delves into the various species of tobacco used, methods of cultivation, and its role in rituals and social practices historically. In this detailed account, Linton discusses how tobacco was cultivated by various tribes, highlighting the different species of Nicotiana utilized across the continent. He provides insights into the agricultural practices surrounding tobacco—from seed planting to harvesting—and stresses the plant’s integral place in religious ceremonies. The book further describes diverse smoking methods—such as pipe smoking and cigarette making—as well as the elaborate rituals accompanying the usage of tobacco, such as the calumet in peace treaties and sacred ceremonies. Through meticulous documentation and analysis, Linton emphasizes tobacco's profound cultural significance and its adoption by European settlers, asserting its role as a vital element of Indigenous identity and spirituality.