James Owen Dorsey
Omaha Dwellings, Furniture and Implements
Thirteenth Annual Report of the Beaurau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896, pages 263-288
"Omaha Dwellings, Furniture and Implements" by James Owen Dorsey is an ethnographic account written in the late 19th century. This work details the dwellings, furniture, and tools of the Omaha tribe, providing valuable insights into the domestic life and material culture of these Native Americans. The book serves as a comprehensive examination of traditional Omaha artifacts and their construction methods, contributing to the understanding of indigenous practices and social structures. In this publication, Dorsey describes various forms of dwellings, including earth lodges and skin tents used by the Omaha people. He provides intricate details on the construction of these structures and their associated uses, such as communal gatherings and winter habitation. Alongside descriptions of dwelling types, the book enumerates essential household items such as beds and bedding, kitchenware, weaponry, and musical instruments, also detailing how each item was crafted and used. Through this exhaustive documentation, Dorsey offers a rich portrayal of the Omaha's daily life, cultural practices, and the integral relationship they maintained with their environment.