People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, and Survival [Paperback]

Stacy B. Schaefer (Editor), Peter T. Furst (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 082631905X | ISBN-13: 978-0826319050 | Publication Date: November 1, 1997

People of the Peyote explores the Huichol Indians of Mexico, who are best known for their worship of the peyote cactus. Ritually harvested each year, the peyote flower plays a central role in most Huichol observances of the annual ceremonial round. The Huichols have been the most culturally persistent indigenous group in Mexico and have maintained their pre-Christian religion with only minimal accommodation to Catholicism. Eighteen essays explore Huichol ethnography, ethnohistory, shamanism, religion, mythology, art, ethnobotany, society, and other topics. The authors, including Huichol contributors, are an international array of scholars on the Huichols and indigenous peoples of Mexico.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Thoroughly researched, well-written, amply illustrated, and fascinating. . . . Important and highly recommended." -- Choice

From the Inside Flap

The first substantial study of a Mexican Indian society that more than any other has preserved much of its ancient way of life and religion.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082631905X
• ISBN-13: 978-0826319050
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > History > Americas > Mexico

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars People of Peyote: personal review, May 26, 2001

By 

martha j elliott (Jalisoc, mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, and Survival (Paperback)

I have lived and worked among the Huichol Indians of Mexico for the past 14 years of my life. I find this book to give accurate, in depth information on the people and their culture. It is extremely well researched. I rate it among the best on this subject. Both Stacey and Peter are very knowledgeable sources on this subject.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book, December 5, 2001

By 

"mn381" (New Mexico USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, and Survival (Paperback)

Be sure to purchase the hardback edition. This is the complete volume works of the Huichol People of western coastal Mexico, written by two of the foremost authorities of Huichol customs outside of Huichol society. Many of Castaneda's fiction stories come from Huichol culture and religion, and most probably Don Juan was based on a Huichol indian, so the story goes. But don't let Carlos's bad anthropology sway your idea. If you are interested in Mesoamerican culture I am sure you will be pleased with this outstanding work of ethnology.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit disappointing, August 23, 2007

By 

H. Albert (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, and Survival (Paperback)

The Huichol art is so colorful that I was disappointed to find this book to be in black and white, and more like a textbook. I bought it for my Mom after having traveled to Mexico together. I actually returned it. I found some children's books that had beautiful illustrations in the yarn painting style.