The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions: An Introduction [Hardcover]

Arlene B. Hirschfelder (Author), Paulette Molin (Author), Arlene Hirshfelder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1992

Long regarded as quaint curiosities or exotic pagan rites, the religious practices of Native Americans make up a rich, enduring legacy deserving of a place among the great spiritual traditions. The volume features a foreword written by Walter R. Echo-Hawk, a senior staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, whose legal experience includes cases involving religious freedom and reburial rights. This volume is available in paperback for the first time. Featuring more than 1,200 cross-referenced entries, this encyclopedia is a fascinating guide to the spiritual traditions of Native Americans in the United States and Canada, including coverage of beliefs about the afterlife, symbolism, creation myths, and vision quests; important ceremonies and dances; prominent American Indian religious figures; and events, legislation, and tribal court cases that have shaped the development of Native American religions.

Reviews:
Praise for the hardcover edition:
"...recommended."-Booklist

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- A welcome addition to any reference section. With over 1,200 entries, this treatment of Native American beliefs, ceremonies, and major religious systems is in-depth, yet easy to read. From the opening explanation of Abishabis ("Small Eyes"), the principal prophet of a mid-1800s religious movement, to Zuni Salt Lake, New Mexico, the reputed home of a Holy Person who traveled around the country leaving deposits of salt wherever she rested, the authors provide quick information on sacred objects, societies, leaders, and more. The black-and-white photographs and charts, while few, are a nice addition. The bibliography is extensive.
- Carol Fox, El Dorado High School, KS
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The scope of this new encyclopedia is certainly no more than introductory. For example, only ten lines are devoted to "power concepts," even though individuals from other religious traditions may find the Native American concept of supernatural power difficult to understand. Still, this is the first ready - reference tool dedicated entirely to Native American religions. Other reference works such as The Handbook of American Indians (1907. o.p.), The Encyclopedia of Religion ( LJ 8/87), or the Smithsonian's "Handbook of North American Indians" series (1978-present) provide comparable or more authoritative coverage of selected topics. None of these sources, however, focus strictly on Native American religions and, for this reason, librarians and readers should turn first to this new encyclopedia for basic information about Native American sacred beliefs and practices. Coverage ranges from major religious sites to specific rites and includes biographies of religious leaders and Christian missionaries. Considering the need for understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity, most school, public, and academic libraries should strongly consider purchasing this encyclopedia.
- Randy J. Olsen, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 367 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; First Printing edition (May 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816020175
• ISBN-13: 978-0816020171
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,035,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedis of Native American Religions, April 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Native American Religions, Encyclopedia Of, Updated Edition (Facts on File Library of American History) (Hardcover)

In a time of considerable misunderstanding, ignorance, and confusion with regard to the historica religions of Native Americans, this book supplies a much-needed resource for information and correction. I teach a course on Native American History and Culture and will use this book a required reading for my students.

It addresses an area of interest to them. The book will help the reader not only understand traditional beliefs and practices but, also, the impact and consequences of contact with Europeans and other groups who were not Native American upon Native American religions.

This book is a must-read for all serious students of Native American History and Culture.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not much about religious practices, February 21, 2011

By 

Man - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Native American Religions (Paperback)

I work with American Indians and was looking for a book on their religion as it is very diverse among different tribes. This book does not have too much on religion and had too much on Christian missionaries. If you're looking for the latter then this is the book. However, if you're looking for the former than I would not recommend it. For example, it doesn't mention anything on Pow-Wows which, from what I have experienced, is a major religious event each year.