American Indian Religious Traditions: An Encyclopedia Book

Combining the work of Native Americans and non-Native scholars, this reference work explores indigenous North American religions, religious practices, and rituals.

Library Journal

This ambitious study of Native American religion, put together by scholars Crawford (religion and culture, Pacific Lutheran Univ., WA) and Kelley (religious studies, Univ. of Missouri), boasts upward of 100 contributors, more than half of whom are Native Americans, and covers such general subjects as oral traditions, spiritual and ceremonial practitioners, dance, healing, and art. Each volume begins with a 50-plus-page treatment that examines the country by area (e.g., Great Plains, Plateau) and includes helpful maps of areas once occupied by tribes as well as a general introduction to the spirituality and history of each tribe. Also included is a very detailed index, the first place any reader interested in more than a general overview should look. There, however, the reader will find that while no entry is given for Anasazi Indians, they are mentioned in the general article "Southwest" and referred to briefly in "Emergence Narratives" as having a calendar and in "Mourning and the Afterlife" as having underground burials. These fleeting glances may not be enough for someone seeking depth on a subject, but each entry is followed by a See also listing and a bibliography for further reading that could help. Illustrations include photos of sacred objects and notable people. Though the authors and contributors often repeat that the religious pervades every aspect of Native American life, what slips between their fingers in this compendium is the intense sense of the sacred felt when personally witnessing ceremonies and holy places. What's more, so many writers can lead to confusion: A picture of the activist, writer, and religious leader Mary Crow Dog in the "Religious Leaders" section is accompanied by no explanation, while an extensive biography appears under her maiden name, Mary Brave Bird. Bottom Line Necessarily general, this is a useful tool for preliminary research, while more specific information can be found in Smithsonian's 20-volume Handbook of North American Indians. High school and public libraries encountering the vast canvas of Native American spiritual life should consider purchasing it. [Also available in e-book format: ISBN 1-57607-520-6. $310.-Ed.]-Gay Neale, formerly with Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Alberta Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.