What do you think?
Rate this book
American Indian Women
A wide-ranging visual history of American Indian women, from pre-Columbian times to the present
Despite their important roles in religious, political, and family life, the stories of American Indian women have remained largely untold, or else have been obscured by the glamorizing eye of popular culture. American Indian Women weaves together history, anthropology, folklore, and rich visuals to provide a fascinating introduction to a widely overlooked group.
This attractive volume is divided into three parts. The first explores American Indian cultures before the arrival of European colonists, delving into tribal mythologies, the role of the Clan Mother in society and religion, family customs, and the complex and varied artistic endeavors of American Indian women. The second part examines encounters between American Indian peoples and the Spanish, British, and French colonists, discussing intermarriage, acculturation, and the lives of prominent female figures?including Pocahontas and Sacagawea. Attention is also devoted to the later portrayal of American Indian women in Hollywood and the fetishization of their cultures. The final section celebrates the American Indian Renaissance, exemplified by a new generation of female sachems, or chiefs?warriors, negotiators, educators, and advocates for the civil rights of native peoples.
Abundantly illustrated with archival photographs, period illustrations, film stills, and tribal objects, American Indian Women is a meaningful contribution to American history and a tribute to some of its unsung heroines.
Despite their important roles in religious, political, and family life, the stories of American Indian women have remained largely untold, or else have been obscured by the glamorizing eye of popular culture. American Indian Women weaves together history, anthropology, folklore, and rich visuals to provide a fascinating introduction to a widely overlooked group.
This attractive volume is divided into three parts. The first explores American Indian cultures before the arrival of European colonists, delving into tribal mythologies, the role of the Clan Mother in society and religion, family customs, and the complex and varied artistic endeavors of American Indian women. The second part examines encounters between American Indian peoples and the Spanish, British, and French colonists, discussing intermarriage, acculturation, and the lives of prominent female figures?including Pocahontas and Sacagawea. Attention is also devoted to the later portrayal of American Indian women in Hollywood and the fetishization of their cultures. The final section celebrates the American Indian Renaissance, exemplified by a new generation of female sachems, or chiefs?warriors, negotiators, educators, and advocates for the civil rights of native peoples.
Abundantly illustrated with archival photographs, period illustrations, film stills, and tribal objects, American Indian Women is a meaningful contribution to American history and a tribute to some of its unsung heroines.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2015
1 person is currently reading
135 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 13, 2020
American Indian Women by Patrick Deval, translated from the French by Jane-Marie Todd, brings to the forefront a group that has largely been neglected in historical and anthropological studies of American Indians. In this wide-ranging study, Deval relocates American Indian women from the margins to the center, highlighting the pivotal roles they played in the spiritual, political, and cultural lives of their communities. The study includes the role played by prominent American Indian women and others who are not so famous but who are no less worthy of respect and admiration.
Deval divides his exploration into different categories: women as guardians of tradition; their role in American Indian spirituality; their function in first encounters with the Spanish, the English, and the French; their contributions during the nineteenth-century and to the education of their children. He includes their portrayal in modern mass entertainment and Hollywood and concludes with their literary, artistic, and political efforts to resist the dominant culture’s efforts to erase their culture, traditions, and language.
Women performed multiple roles within their communities. They used their extensive knowledge of the plant world to feed their people, to heal illnesses, and to exert power in religious ceremonies. They served as warriors, guides, and interpreters. They were sought for their wisdom and knowledge and as purveyors and guardians of culture and tradition.
The study is wide in scope and intent on correcting many of the misconceptions harbored about American Indians in general and about American Indian women in particular. It is valuable as an educational tool. One of its greatest assets is its inclusion of a wealth of black and white photographs dating from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The photographs are mainly of American Indian women. They are breath-taking. Some depict mother and child in a tender embrace; some show women performing various tasks; and some situate women in their natural environment. But the most moving are the close-ups of women’s faces which exude strength, wisdom, suffering, and fierce determination. These images are beautiful, mesmerizing, and haunting.
Highly recommended.
You can see more of my book reviews at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com
Deval divides his exploration into different categories: women as guardians of tradition; their role in American Indian spirituality; their function in first encounters with the Spanish, the English, and the French; their contributions during the nineteenth-century and to the education of their children. He includes their portrayal in modern mass entertainment and Hollywood and concludes with their literary, artistic, and political efforts to resist the dominant culture’s efforts to erase their culture, traditions, and language.
Women performed multiple roles within their communities. They used their extensive knowledge of the plant world to feed their people, to heal illnesses, and to exert power in religious ceremonies. They served as warriors, guides, and interpreters. They were sought for their wisdom and knowledge and as purveyors and guardians of culture and tradition.
The study is wide in scope and intent on correcting many of the misconceptions harbored about American Indians in general and about American Indian women in particular. It is valuable as an educational tool. One of its greatest assets is its inclusion of a wealth of black and white photographs dating from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The photographs are mainly of American Indian women. They are breath-taking. Some depict mother and child in a tender embrace; some show women performing various tasks; and some situate women in their natural environment. But the most moving are the close-ups of women’s faces which exude strength, wisdom, suffering, and fierce determination. These images are beautiful, mesmerizing, and haunting.
Highly recommended.
You can see more of my book reviews at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com
September 20, 2021
Even though mainstream American literature has been placing works such as 'How to be an Anti-racist" and "So You Want to Talk About Race" into the public's open hands, still, we just don't want to talk about North America's inexorable sin- the attempted ethnocide, fetishisation, and demonization of those peoples who have dwelled in North America some untold thousands of years, who respected the land and the souls of their womenkind. This book attempts to tell you about Native American women-- and it's true that all the photographs are of Indigenous women-- but this book is an overview of the interactions between European Americans and Indigenous North American peoples from the times of Columbus and Cortez. In this way I was disappointed-- there is not a deep delve into the spirit and customs of Native American women- rather an overview of their simulteous doom and brilliant resilience. The photographs alone are worth seeking out this book for. If they do not stir you, your soul is missing. Regardless of the author missing the subject mark, every single North American ought to read this book and many others like it. May God have mercy on us for taking the land and way of life from these beautiful people.
January 25, 2022
The author examines the role of Native American women from cultural, economic, political, religious, and social perspectives. The book is more of an overview than an in-depth analysis as it does not focus on any one tribe or people. It is filled with anecdotes, and short biographical sketches of individuals who played critical roles from a historical vantage point.
The book occasionally veers off subject as it discusses the roles of certain male Native Americans, or the depiction of Native Americans in popular culture where for the most part, until recently, they were portrayed negatively, and/or by non-Native Americans.
The book incorporates gorgeous artwork including paintings and photographs recording the lives of Native Americans to illustrate its subject matter.
The book occasionally veers off subject as it discusses the roles of certain male Native Americans, or the depiction of Native Americans in popular culture where for the most part, until recently, they were portrayed negatively, and/or by non-Native Americans.
The book incorporates gorgeous artwork including paintings and photographs recording the lives of Native Americans to illustrate its subject matter.
July 26, 2023
This book is a historical overview of Native American women's roles within their communities. I found it educational and appreciated a glimpse into the inner world of Native American women. It offered broad facts with stunning pictures by Edward Curtis who, instead of depicting Native American tribes as they actually were he froze them in a past that no longer existed.
This romanticised portrayal was amplified by his pictorialist style. Curtis objectivity in photographing Native Americans is questionable.
This romanticised portrayal was amplified by his pictorialist style. Curtis objectivity in photographing Native Americans is questionable.
November 21, 2019
The photographs in this book deserve five stars. I felt there was a disconnect between the text and the photographs and wished there was more of a pairing. The text alternated between the styles of a dissertation, opinions, and snippets of stories. I wish there was a more unified voice. There was a lot of material covered in this book. The images were outstanding.
December 1, 2024
More than five stars
Her story is no longer a mystery. This book provides so much information about the women many often think of as silent and invisible. Within this book is the telling of truth and strength. I finish reading this book with a list of new books to read, books written by the woman that I learned about within these pages. Thanks to this work their lives are no longer a mystery.
Her story is no longer a mystery. This book provides so much information about the women many often think of as silent and invisible. Within this book is the telling of truth and strength. I finish reading this book with a list of new books to read, books written by the woman that I learned about within these pages. Thanks to this work their lives are no longer a mystery.
June 21, 2021
Exceptional photos by Curtis, Reed and others
April 11, 2017
Awesome Book On Native American Women. I Recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews