Dictionary of the American Indian by John Stoutenburg, Jr. (1960, Hardcover)

Dictionary of the American Indian
An A-to-Z Guide to Indian history, legend, and lore
by John Stoutenburgh, Jr.
Publisher: Wings Books
Copyright 1960
Illustrated with 5 black-and-white line drawings

Here is a comprehensive and informative source book of American Indian history and lore that presents valuable information in an accessible A-to-Z format.

From Aatsosni (one of the clans of the Navajo, meaning "narrow gorge") to the Zuni Pueblo (located in Gallup, New Mexico, and noted for fine silverwork and painting), the Dictionary of the American Indian draws upon five years of research, travel, and interviews.

Did you know that Ds'ah is the Navajo word for the basin sagebrush, used by the Navajo for medicinal purposes and also to make a light green dye?

The Eagle was used as a basis for many ceremonies.  Eagle feathers were used on war bonnets, rattles, shields, pipes, baskets, and prayer sticks.  Clipping, coloring, and special additions to the feathers formed a system of ranks and deeds, making it possible to look at an Indian and be able to tell his rank and deeds by the types of feathers he wore and how he wore them.

There are generally two types of Moccasins worn by most of the Indian tribes of the United States.  The western plains tribes wore a moccasin with a hard sole and a soft upper.  The eastern or woodland Indians wore a moccasin with a soft sole and upper.  The shapes, designs, and materials used in making moccasins varied from tribe to tribe and were influenced by their location and the surrounding wildlife.  Dyes from roots, berries, and leaves were used for decoration together with porcupine quills, and later on, beads, shells, and buttons.  The designs sometimes had a specific meaning and the colors used also had a special symbolism.

Tipi is the Siouan word for dwelling or house.  The term is used to describe the type of dwelling of the Plains Indians; it was a cone-shaped house made from the skins of animals, especially the bison.  The tipi differs from the wigwam, hogan, and wickiup, and was made from ten or more bison skins and some twenty or more long cedar poles, depending on the size of the family.  These were tied together at the top and the hides, which were sewn together, were fastened around the framework.  An open top was left to let out the smoke.

All this information and much, much more will be found in the Dictionary of the American Indian, a work that makes an authoritative and important contribution towards a greater understanding of American Indian history and culture.

Condition: Used. Hardcover. Dust cover. Dust Cover and dust cover edges shows wear .  Pages may be tanning from age.

**************************

Don't Delay. Buy It Now!

Why Buy From Me?

* Shipping Speed Most people are extremely amazed at how fast I get their item delivered to them. I ship the same day you pay for your item, whenever possible.

• Strong Positive Feedback 100% positive feedback. Customers are overwhelmingly pleased with the quality of the item they receive, the accuracy of the item's description, the prompt and informative email notifications, and of course the speedy delivery.
  
  * Blujay Member Since 2005 I'm here to stay.
  
  * ID Verified My feedback profile also displays the ID Verified icon. An extra level of safety and security for buyers to know.
  
  * PayPal Buyer Protection All of my listings display the PayPal Buyer Protection icon to qualify for up to $1000.00 of protection for you, the buyer.