Mention the name Seminole and most Americans think of the Florida
segment of the tribe--Indian men in colorful shirts poling dugouts
through the black waters of the Everglades and women sewing
patchwork in palmetto-thatched "chickees." But another Seminole
population, much larger in numbers, lives in the prairie and scrub
oak hill country of Oklahoma.
Studies of the Oklahoma segment of the tribe have been few, and
James H. Howard's objective in writing this book has been to record
the richness of Seminole culture in the West, presenting that
culture as it is seen and interpreted by its more traditional
members in Oklahoma today.
Much of the Seminole culture is held in common, but many
differences have grown up between the two groups since the "Trail
of Tears" separated them in the 1830s. This does not necessarily
mean greater acculturation to white ways by the Oklahoma Seminoles.
In some instances the Oklahomans are the more traditional, in that
they retain cultural forms mentioned in early records but long
forgotten in Florida.
Howard documents contributions from many persons, but the greatest
amount of information came from Willie Lena, a Seminole town chief
who lives in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Born in 1912 and reared by his
conservative grandparents, Lena was shielded from the white culture
during his childhood and carefully trained in Seminole ways and
values. Recognized since his youth as a traditionalist leader, Lena
has a lively intelligence, artistic talent, and a warm personality
that have led him to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador of his own
culture both to the younger generation of Seminoles and Creeks and
to non-Indians as well.
In a detailed report of Seminole culture as it is found in Oklahoma
today, Howard has included chapters on herbal and non-herbal
remedies, magic and witchcraft, supernaturals, the Green Corn
Ceremony, the nighttime dances and other ceremonials, sports and
games, mortuary practices, and other aspects of the Seminole world.
Based on firsthand information and extensive fieldwork, Howard's
descriptions are appealing and immediate. He also displays
extensive knowledge of the related literature, and parallel
material recorded in earlier sources is often cited for comparison.
Lena's illustrations add further interest and authenticity to the
book.
Seminole culture, with its unique attitudes and beliefs and
distinctly Southeastern Indian worldview, has persisted in spite of
more than four hundred years of exposure to European and American
culture. It is quite clear from the material presented in this book
that there will continue to be American Indians in Oklahoma who
proudly call themselves "Seminole" for many years to come.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(2)
