They Sang for Horses
Book Description
For centuries, the horse transformed more than just transportation for the Navajo and Apache peoples of the Southwest—it became a sacred bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. This fascinating exploration reveals how indigenous communities wove the horse into the very fabric of their cultural and spiritual identity.
LaVerne Harrell Clark traces the remarkable journey of how storytellers, singers, medicine practitioners, and artists gradually elevated the horse from a practical animal acquired from Spanish colonizers in the 1600s to a powerful spiritual symbol. Through careful examination of ceremonies, songs, prayers, and traditional beliefs, she uncovers the creative process by which these communities adapted their existing folklore to embrace this new presence in their lives.
The book spans three centuries of cultural evolution, following the horse's deepening significance from its initial introduction through the mid-1960s, when modern vehicles began to alter this ancient relationship. Rather than viewing this as merely historical documentation, Clark presents a living tradition that continues to evolve today.
For readers seeking to understand how spiritual communities adapt and integrate new elements while honoring ancestral wisdom, this work offers profound insights into the dynamic nature of indigenous spirituality. It demonstrates how sacred meaning emerges through the intersection of practical necessity and creative spiritual expression, revealing timeless principles about how cultures grow and transform while maintaining their essential spiritual core.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 338 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Native American Folklore
- ✓ Explore Indians of North America
- ✓ Explore Customs and Beliefs
- ✓ Explore Domestic amimals
- ✓ Explore Navaho Folklore
- ✓ Explore Horse Equipments
- ✓ Explore Apache Folklore
