Blessing for a long time
the sacred pole of the Omaha Tribe
Robin Ridington
259 pages | ~7 hrs
Blessing for a long time
the sacred pole of the Omaha Tribe
By Robin Ridington
In this remarkable exploration of Native American spirituality, Robin Ridington and Dennis Hastings present the profound story of the Sacred Pole through the lens of Omaha oral tradition. Drawing upon the rich narrative conventions of the Omaha people, the authors weave together historical accounts, traditional stories, and contemporary perspectives to illuminate the spiritual significance of Umon'hon'ti.
The book moves fluidly between different time periods, allowing readers to witness how sacred objects carry meaning across generations. Through careful integration of classic anthropological works, particularly Fletcher and La Flesche's foundational research, alongside authentic Omaha narratives and modern testimonies, a compelling portrait emerges of how indigenous spiritual practices maintain their vitality through time.
What makes this work particularly engaging is how the Sacred Pole itself becomes a living presence within the narrative. Rather than treating it as a static artifact, the authors reveal Umon'hon'ti as an active participant in its own story of separation and eventual return to the Omaha people.
This innovative approach to ethnography and spiritual history offers readers insight into the complex relationship between sacred objects and community identity. The circular storytelling method mirrors traditional Omaha narrative structure, creating an immersive experience that honors indigenous ways of understanding and sharing spiritual knowledge.
For those seeking to understand Native American religious life and the enduring power of sacred traditions, this book provides a respectful and illuminating journey.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Indians of north america, history
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Indians of south america, religion
- ✓ Explore Sacred Pole (Omaha rite)
- ✓ Explore Material culture
- ✓ Explore Indians of north america, material culture
- ✓ Explore Omaha Indians
Topics
Details
- Published
- 1997
- Publisher
- University of Nebraska Press
- ISBN-10
- 0803239254
- Pages
- 259
- Language
- EN
- LC Classification
- E99.O4 R53 1997
