Shawnee: Ceremonialism Native American Tribe and Its Cultural Background

by James H. Howard

In spite of the important role of the Shawnee tribe of American Indians in the Colonial period and the early years of the American republic, they have been virtually ignored by the scholarly world. Anthropologists have paid little attention to the Shawnees, despite the tribe’s rich culture and pivotal position among the other tribes in eastern North America.

In this first comprehensive account of Shawnee culture, Dr. Howard assembled data concerning the tribe by utilizing published accounts, documents, maps, photographs, and paintings; and by visiting present-day Shawnees and participating in their ceremonies, games and everyday activities. The work is embellished with musical notations of Shawnee songs, maps, heirloom photographs and several photographs taken by the author during his fieldwork. Of particular interest is a remarkable series of paintings of Shawnee life by gifted Shawnee artist, Earnest Spybuck.

454 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

James Howard was a general in the United States Air Force and the only fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor — the United States military's highest decoration for valor.

Prior to his service in Europe, Howard served as a fighter pilot in China with the American Volunteer Group (AVG) - better known as the "Flying Tigers".

Howard finished the war with 12 aerial victories (6 scored against the Japanese during his service with the AVG and 6 scored against the Luftwaffe).