The Osage

by Terry P. Wilson

Describes the history of the Osage Indian tribe, examines their interaction with white settlers, and looks at the Osage cultural heritage

Genres: Native American

Library Binding

First published May 1, 1988

Reviews

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second book I read in the Indians of North America series and I really enjoyed it. The fertile Mississippi Valley was home to the Osage, a Native American group which once partnered with the French in a very lucrative fur trade. As Americans pushed west, the Osage were forced onto a reservation in Oklahoma.

The Osage fiercely clung to their traditions, refusing to bow to the efforts of the government to "civilize" them. Children were taken away from their parents and forced to live in little better than institutions, where well meaning teachers endeavored to teach the youngsters a new way of life.

Fortunately for the Osage, oil was subsequently discovered on their reservation. This gave the Osage a powerful force with which to combat the ever grasping outsiders. Many of the Osage became great musicians and artists. One of my favorite patterns from the book is a wearing blanket worn in the Miss Indian America contest. It is a vivid pattern featuring multiple hands as accents. The hands mean friendship.

The Osage have fared better than most Native Americans. Even today, the I'N-Lon-Schka is held each spring, celebrating the selection of a boy as the tribal drumkeeper. The boy and his family give gifts to all of the dancers and invited guests to the celebration. If one is attired appropriately in leggings, silk shirts and shawls, one is allowed to dance.

I really enjoyed reading this book, since it is one of the few in which I feel that the Indians have triumphed over adversity. One's nationality and ancestry are not keys to intelligence, honor, love or friendship. We must learn to celebrate each other's uniqueness in all of its diversity. This is the celebration of man. Someday, we may endeavor to achieve it.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilson's short book is the second I've read in the exploration of the people who lived here (in Missouri) long before me. I can repeat part of what I said about the other book: "This is an excellent overview, well written and informative but not terribly analytical." Wilson presents a more objective or balanced perspective and also takes the Osage nation's story closer to the 21st century.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alice picked this book at the library. I thought it would be fun to "read to learn." It was not fun. Textbooks are very boring, full of facts with all the interesting bits taken out or glossed over in the dullest language possible. Not looking forward to those school years that involve textbooks :(

[Elizabeth Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info but I wish the book had been longer.