Customer Reviews

The Lakota Ritual of the Sweat Lodge: History and Contemporary Practice (Studies in the Anthropology of North Ame)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was very well done. Many people who are looking for information on what to expect from sweatlodges in general will benefit from this book. The author gives a good amount of information about the history and the many different styles of the inipi ceremony. I personally have been in many different inipi (sweatlodge) ceremonies and found that there are different styles but there are a lot of common things as well. This book is well written and well worth the read. The author sticks to just the plains indians style of lodges and does not go to compare with the many different styles of sweatlodges around the country and around the world. I liked that he kept his information consistant and from the people who wanted to share it first hand. There were quite a few people who shared information that might take a lifetime of looking to find.

Not only the most throughout chronicle of the sweat lodge ritual, but also one of the best books on contemporary Lakhota religion. Good work!

This book was a wonderful source of information for me to learn more about a ceremony that I'd been through countless times. The Sweatlodge is a powerful ritual on many different levels & this book sheds some light on that, especially for those of us not brought up in the Lakota culture.

I read through this book in one day. I couldn't put the book down except to make a coffee. Excellent reading.

About a year ago, a neighbor talked about a Lakota Sweatlodge that several men were involved in. He further suggested that because I was in recovery from alcoholism, that I'd be welcome, despite my European heritage and ignorance of Indian affairs. After attending, enjoying and wanting to try again, I've been a regular attendee at least once a month. Since I've been a regular, they've even invited me to other Sweats. These men are serious about their beliefs and helpful with newcomers. This book has helped me engage in conversation as much of their practice is sacred and not exactly 'advertised'.