Review by Choice Review
This oversized volume, the first publication of the newly formed National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, is rich with extraordinary photographs (black-and-white and color) and is extremely well written. The main thesis--that the Native American dance emphasizes ceremony, not performance--is supported by accurate accounts of many dances, most of which are written by Native Americans. Through dance, American Indians have maintained at least a thread of culture continuity. Today, dance remains not only a historical manifestation of that continuity, but also reflects the vibrancy and viability of the "First Americans." By describing these varied dances through eyewitness presentations and revealing photographs, the book accomplishes a simple aim: to create a wider awareness of the significance of native dance. Additionally, focus on social involvement in dance, especially on participation by young performers, gives insight into the survival and continuing place of dance in Native American ceremonies. The book includes specific and detailed discussions on the Iroquois, Apache, and Tewa, and on the regions of the Southern and Northern Plains, Alaska, Mexico, and Bolivia. The text emphasizes that dancers are honored members; that ceremonies are spiritual; and they are aimed at reaffirming traditional values combined with maintaining an enculturating identity. Select bibliography, discography, and videography. All levels. F. G. Bock; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
/*STARRED REVIEW*/ This well-designed and picture-rich volume is the first scholarly publication of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The body of the book is a set of essays by Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike, describing and celebrating the diverse and vital dances of various cultures indigenous to the Western Hemisphere. Editor Heth's fine introduction touches on the spiritual, communal, and aesthetic elements of Native American dance, noting that tribal dance has been a continually evolving aspect of religious practice since prehistoric times and is now experiencing a new surge in popularity and vitality. Native American dance, most typically restrained, "with the dancers staying close to the earth," is a response to the cycles and mysteries of life, an act of survival, and an expression of shared values. Both the text and the motion-filled, brilliantly hued photographs emphasize the fusion of music, song, physical strength and endurance, and the visual splendor of the costumes. Dances of groups such as the Zapotec of Oaxaca, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya, the Aymara of Bolivia, the White Mountain Apache, and the Tewa of New Mexico are examined in detail. In all, a superb, forward-looking study. (Reviewed Apr. 1, 1993)1563730219Donna Seaman
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This collection of essays on Native American dance traditions and their meaning, origin, and evolution is the first book from the Smithsonian Institution's newest museum. The pieces cover a variety of tribal groups, including Apache, Pueblo, Alaskan, Zapotec, and Northern and Southern Plains. The continuing importance of dance in contemporary Native American life is emphasized, and a clear distinction drawn between social and ceremonial dancing. Many of the authors are of Native American ancestry. This National Geographic style overview, well designed with excellent illustrations, is recommended for the casual reader or elementary/secondary student.-- Gwen Gregory, U.S. Courts Lib., Phoenix (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
