For thousands of years; Plains Indians and their ancestors have occupied the vast region that stretches from the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains and from the Canadian plains to the Gulf of Mexico. Today; peoples such as the Blackfoot and Sioux still live in groups bound by language and shared rituals. From about 1800; one of the most important units beyond the extended family was the 'warrior society' - a social; political and ritual group that engaged in warfare and organised ceremonial life. The societies played a prominent role in battles; offering members the opportunity to gain honours through individual acts of bravery such stealing horses; capturing women; and taking scalps during war raids. These societies; however; have a rich ritual life that was marked by a strong sense of spirituality. In their ceremonies society members made use of objects such as pipes; rattles; and headdresses; as these were significant to their shared ideas of ritual and honour. Through a selection of unique objects from the British Museum's collection; this beautifully illustrated little book explores the world of the warriors of the North American Plains. Here are exceptional examples of feather headdresses; shields; moccasins; painted hides; scalps; pipes; tomahawks; and traditional and contemporary costumes. Many of these items may seem initially familiar from popular culture; but their deeper ritual significance is revealed by the author. A perennially popular subject; this book will appeal to young and old alike.
#556907 in Books 2008-05-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x .70 x 6.00l; #File Name: 0709083696224 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Fantastic!By Antonia CambareriThis is a fascinating account of the early days of modern Witchcraft. Doreen Valiente's writing style flows so flawlessly; I finished this book in two sittings. Intelligent without being overly erudite; here is the account of one of the Founders of Gardenarian Wicca; whose stunning poetic contributions have become main staples of many Witchcraft traditions' liturgies. Valiente was involved with; or had extensive knowledge of all the 'big' names responsible for the Witchcraft revival: Gerald Gardner; Patricia Crowther; Robert Cochrane; Alex and Maxine Sanders; and Sybil Leek to name a few. What is most impressive is that although she recounts various aspects to the character of some of these Elders that were tiresome; she always balances this with portraying their more admirable qualities. Something which is very rare amongst Occult writers!Lucid and basing her writing on tireless research; Valiente offers the truth about the present day practice of Witchcraft; yet; does not simply pass everything off as pure invention. She shows that there are indeed ancient roots to modern Witchcraft; without the silly insistence that the rituals; along with some of the tenets are of an unbroken line; coming from the Paleolithic Age. This is an important work for any student of Witchcraft or the Occult. It is important to know the history of what we practice today. And there are very few sources from those that were at Its inception that are as sound and honest as Doreen Valiente.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Valiente does it againBy LMKWonderfully written history by Ms Valiente. I have always loved her style ... Writing as though she is conversing with you.I was familiar with quite a bit of the background between she and Gerald Gardner; but she revealed a bit more in this one. Great photos - inc pages from Gardner's BO'S.Valiente has always been my fav witch; and I collect all of her books. But thus is a good read for every student or practitioner of witchcraft.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Essential HistoryBy Patrick"The only reason for secrecy today is when witches themselves prefer not to have their identities and their private addresses revealed."- Doreen Valiente (The Rebirth of Witchcraft; p.54)How worthwhile is reading THE REBIRTH OF WITCHCRAFT by Doreen Valiente? I learned more about the true history of Wicca in the first five chapters than all the other books on modern witchcraft that I've read to date.As for the content Doreen Valiente gives a compelling first person account of Wiccan history from its earliest nights to the feminist revolution of the 70s. In particular you get a really good scoop on the shady personalities behind the faces of Gerald Gardner; Alex Sanders and Robert Cochrane. Tricksters and liars all.Of course this doesn't mean that Doreen didn't hold any affection for these men. She did; but she doesn't make excuses for their behavior either. Perhaps because of this honesty there is a real feeling of authenticity to her words.The other chapters while less relevant are at the very least interesting reads. I particularly liked the chapter on Leslie Roberts; a homosexual witch and occult investigator who died tragically. His story (as well as that of Alex Sanders) establishes the early presence of gay men in the Craft. It also serves as a vivid lesson on the importance of knowing your limits as a witch and the very real danger of psychic vampires.This book should be required reading for all students interested in the history of the modern Craft.
