Peyote Religion: A History (Volume 181)

by Omer C. Stewart

In this definitive work-a product of more than half a century of research and close observation-the noted anthropologist Omer C. Stewart provides a sweeping reconstruction of the rise of peyotism and the Native American Church. Although it is commonly known that the modern peyote religion became formalized around 1880 in western Oklahoma, it had roots in pre-contact American Indian ritual. Today it is practiced by thousands upon thousands of American Indians throughout the West.

Long a subject of controversy, peyotism has become a unifying influence in Indian life, providing the basis for ceremonies, friendships, social gatherings, travel, marriage, and much more. As Stewart demonstrates, it has been a source of comfort and healing and a means of expression for a troubled people.

Genres: History, Religion

454 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Roger Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 30 years old, and with some dated language, but this book was a massive scholarly effort. Stewart condenses 100 years of historical and scholarly sources, drawing as well on his own ethnographic work from the late 1930s through the 1970s. This book is useful for considering ongoing discussions about the legislation of ayahuasca and the tensions with States and Indigenous communities.

[Praveen Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyote is a sacred entheogenic and endangered plant which has a long and rich religious tradition around it in the Americas. This book is a very well researched guide to the history of peyote use throughout North America -- from it's multicultural use and ceremonies (both white/colonizer and indigenista), to the controversies and racist criminalization by the US Federal government. 4 stars - very important book on the topic, but the writing is a bit academic.

[Jason Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great anthropological reading...dry during certain passages, but very informative...good food for thought.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate all of the work Stewart dedicated to the subject, although it was a bit dry for my taste. However, it is an essential read if you want to learn about peyote and the history of the NAC.