The Zunis: Self-Portrayals

by The Zuni People, Alvina Quam (Translator)

Now back in print after more than thirty years, The Zunis: Self-Portrayals offers forty-six stories of myth, prophecy, and history from the great oral literature of the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. Selected by the Zuni people themselves, the tales told here preserve their cultural traditions—from the Zuni creation myth and the rituals of masked dances to farming and hunting practices and battles with Navajos and Apaches. There are tales about ghosts and personified animals, and fables told to discipline children or to warn them against foolhardy bravery and braggadocio. Some of the stories are moral fables, and some are intended as entertainment pure and simple, tales told by a skillful narrator to pass a long evening.

Genres: Native American, Mythology, History

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1972

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book in a coffee shop as a decoration and the title and cover caught my eye and made me want to read it. I had never heard about Zunis before and I learned about their culture and history. It wasn't the best writing but I am still happy I read it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this at the National Museum of the Native American (part of the Smithsonian) in Washington DC. I was hoping that it would introduced me to Zuni mythology, culture and religion. I wasn't disappointed. It was excellent from start to finish.

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not the most engaging writing. I suspect this is because the stories were translated and also meant to be told aloud and not written down.