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Sun dance Books
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Clark Wissler
The Sun Dance of the Blackfoot Indians
"The Sun Dance of the Blackfoot Indians" by Clark Wissler is an anthropological study written in the early 20th century. The work emphasizes the cultural aspects and rituals of the Blackfoot Indians, specifically focusing on the sun dance ceremony, which is central to their spiritual and communal practices. This detailed examination is likely based on extensive observations and discussions with members of the Blackfoot tribes. The opening of the book provides a comprehensive preface in which Wissler outlines the extensive research conducted on the Blackfoot, particularly the Piegan tribe, beginning in 1903. He mentions his efforts to gather data despite previous works that focused primarily on this tribe, and he sets the stage for a discussion of the sun dance ceremony. This initial portion highlights the significance of the ceremony as a collective tribal ritual involving numerous functions and responsibilities, along with a description of the preparation period leading up to the event. Wissler aims to present a detailed and ethnologically accurate portrayal of the sun dance practice, emphasizing its importance within Blackfoot culture and spirituality.
Leslie Spier
Notes on the Kiowa Sun Dance
"Notes on the Kiowa Sun Dance" by Leslie Spier is an anthropological publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the rituals and ceremonies surrounding the Kiowa Sun Dance, providing a detailed account of the practices, roles, and significance of the event within the Kiowa culture. The book likely serves as a scholarly exploration of a fundamental ritual that holds deep cultural meaning for the Kiowa people. In this book, Spier recounts the intricacies of the Kiowa Sun Dance from a variety of perspectives. The ceremony is led by the owner of a sacred medicine image, called the "tai´me", who directs the proceedings involving participants that include associates and shield owners. The text outlines the preparations, symbolic acts, and various rituals performed throughout the multi-day event, such as costume preparations, fasting, and the pivotal role of prayer and offerings. It also discusses the hereditary nature of certain roles and the belief systems underpinning the dance, emphasizing its significance for material and spiritual well-being among the Kiowa tribes. Overall, Spier's meticulous notes offer valuable insights into Kiowa cultural practices and their connection to identity and communal life.
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