The Native American Sweat Lodge: History and Legends (Paperback)

by Joseph Bruchac (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Bruchac has written many books about Native American legends both for adults and children, although more successfully for the latter than the former. In spite of the fact that this succinct history of the sweat lodge is written in Bruchac's characteristically simplistic style, it will hold the interest of adult readers. Bruchac presents a thrifty and cogent explanation of the function and role of sweat lodges both historically and in the present. Sweat lodges are part of nearly every native North American culture and have always played an important role in rituals of healing, preparation, and prayer. Bruchac discusses the repression of "sweats," first by the Spaniards and later by the U.S. government, and notes the hypocrisy of these bans, since saunas and other therapeutic steam baths were popular across Europe for centuries. It is with considerable irony that Bruchac then describes the current fad for sweat lodges among non-Indians, particularly in the men's movement. To deepen our understanding of the significance of sweat lodges within Native American cultures, Bruchac shares 25 relevant traditional tales from the Lakota, Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Seneca, Navajo, Hopi, Huron, and others. Donna Seaman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Explains the function of the sweat lodge in Native American culture, shows sweat lodges built by a variety of tribes, and recounts legends associated with the lodges.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Press (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089594636X
• ISBN-13: 978-0895946362
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #221,968 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Mix, January 21, 2003

By	Grant R. Schnarr "Author" (Bryn Athyn, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you don't even know what a sweat-lodge is you might not get what you are looking for reading this book. However, for those who would like to learn more about Native American spiritual practices, it's a rich supply of knowledge. The book sets forth the history of the Sweat-lodge in many cultures, and also tells some great ancient tales of the lodge--great for telling in the lodge, or around the fire.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informative, January 23, 2004

By A Customer

The sweat lodge is a very sacred place and this book does a great job of illustrating that. From the history to the legends it is fascinating and well rounded. Many traditions are represented in the stories and I really enjoyed reading them as seeing both the differences as well as the commonality. Highly recommended reading especially for anyone interested in participating in a sweat lodge. Respect and Reverence.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Respectful and well done..., August 30, 2007

By	Hawk Brother "Seventh Generation" (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

As a traditional Native, I rarely read anything like this. I wouldn't have even ordered it, except the author is a modern Native striving towards his own roots. I thought that I would be offended, but was pleasently suprised.