Giving Voice to Bear

by David Rockwell

In this new edition of a classic, David Rockwell describes the captivating and awe-inspiring presence of the bear in Native American rituals. The bear played a central role in shamanic rights, initiation, healing and hunting ceremonies, and new year celebrations. Considered together, these traditions are another way of looking at the world, one in which the mysteries of the universe are revealed through animals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Native American, Mythology

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

Reviews

[Henry DeForest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty solid book all around. I learned a lot, enjoyed the depictions of artifacts, and left with a more comprehensive understanding of the ubiquitous presence of bears in indigenous beliefs and practices.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Hardback copy, love the artwork and original artefact photos . Some interesting rituals, and stories about bears and different Native tribes.
I kind of got bored and skim read it.
Even Me being a fan of bears 🐻 it didn’t hold interest for me other than the artwork and photos. Interesting how Natives of all different tribes have their own style of killing bears, eating meat or rituals for women on their first Moontime.
Chapters about Shamans and Bear medicine
Killing bears
Some very odd stories of women teeth in women’s vaginas...... Yeh

[Don Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent survey of Native American bear myths and beliefs that includes many tribes. Read this for research on a story and, though it's 25 years old, it was very helpful.