The Gift of Changing Woman [Hardcover]

Tryntje Van Ness Seymour (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up

This colorful book offers unique insight into the world of the Apache Indians during the ancient celebration of girls being initiated into womanhood. Illustrated with paintings by Apache artists.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Seymour, who researched Apache traditions for When the Rainbow Touches Down , her examination of Native American art, here offers a detailed description of that nation's Na'ii'ees ceremony, known in English as the Gift of Changing Woman. An elaborate four-day celebration, it marks the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Seymour scrupulously if laboriously explains Apache spiritual beliefs as she discusses the significance of each part of the ritual and the roles played by the girl's family, godparents, the medicine man and the Gaan , four dancers who represent the Mountain Spirits. The book is dedicated to the late Philip Cassadore, an Apache medicine man who conducted a ceremony attended by Seymour in 1984. Sprinkled throughout the text, Cassadore's observations and interpretations (as well as those of his sister, who had her own Na'ii'ees ceremony) lend the account an immediacy and authenticity. Pictures by nine Apache artists help convey the event's grandeur and pageantry. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-When Apache girls reach puberty, their families may hold the Na'ii'ees, or the Changing Woman Ceremony, which welcomes them to womanhood. The first two days are private, but Seymour was able to witness the last two public days. From that experience, she has crafted a unique work that will foster respect, understanding, and appreciation for the Apache culture. Beginning with a brief account of the story of Changing Woman, she describes the celebration, interjecting comments and reminiscences made by her host. Full-color reproductions of paintings by 10 different Apache artists depict parts of the Na'ii'ees gathered from museums around the country, spanning over 100 years. Not only does the art allow readers to experience the ceremony through the eyes of the participants, but it also reveals how the Na'ii'ees has continued to be an important part of Apache religion and culture. The background and source notes stand as a benchmark for comparison. This superb book belongs in every library, and should be closely examined by those who are responsible for the production and selection of folklore from other cultures for children.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 38 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J); 1st edition (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805025774
• ISBN-13: 978-0805025774
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well-sourced and moving, October 7, 2004

By 

Aunt Susan (Edmonds, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift of Changing Woman (Hardcover)

Beyond the story itself, which was strong and enlightening, is the artwork and the quotes and the historical significance. So much information in such a small space. I bought it for a special girl who is schooled at home, wishing stories like this were taught to me in my WASP Pacific Northweast gradeschool in 1962. Better late than never. Profoundly moving and beautiful.