The Plains Cree: An Ethnographic, Historical, and Comparative Study

by David G. Mandelbaum

Overview

First published in 1940, David Mandelbaum's study remains the definitive account of the Plains Cree. In this revised edition, first reprinted in 1978, Part One contains the original material dealing with Plains Cree history and ethnology. Part Two is a two-fold comparative study: the first section compares the Plains Cree to other groups east of the Plains: the Eastern Cree, various Ojibwa groups, the bands of the Labrador peninsula, the Menomini, and other Central Woodlands tribes; the second section compares Plains Cree culture to other Plains tribes, mainly those of the northern Plains. Illustrated.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780889770133
Publisher:	University of Regina Press
Publication date:	03/04/1978
Series:	Canadian Plains Studies(CPS) Series , #9
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	712,371
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Dr. Mandelbaum was born in 1911 and he died in 1987.

Table of Contents

Preface

Editor’s Note

PART ONE
THE PLAINS CREE: A HISTORICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY

INTRODUCTION

TRIBAL DISTRIBUTION
Terrain
Band Divisions

THE WESTWARD MOVEMENT
First Contacts, 1640-1690
The Establishments of Fur Trade, 1690-1740
Conquest of the Western Forests, 1740-1820
Occupation of the Plains, 1820-1880
Summary

THE MAINSTAYS OF PLAINS CREE ECONOMY
The Buffalo
The Horse
The Dog
Other Elements of Economic Life

MANUFACTURES AND ARTIFACTS
Clothing
Personal Adornment
Housing
Ceremonial Structures
Houshold Furnishings and Utensils
Weapons
Smoking Utensils
Musical Instruments
Transport Devices
Techniques of Ornamentation

SOCIAL LIFE
The Basis of Band Division
Chieftainship
Rank and Societies
Camp Life
Crime and Justice
Kinship
Games

THE INDIVIDUAL LIFE CYCLE
Birth
Names
Childhood
Puberty and Women’s Observances
Marriage
Wife Exchange
Death, Burial, and Mourning

RELIGION AND CEREMONIALISM
Supernaturals
Soul and Afterworld
The Vision Quest
Shamanism
Bundles
Vision Prerogatives
Beliefs

CEREMONIALISM
Vowed Ceremonies
Secular Dances
Bear Ceremonialism
Eagle Ceremonialism
First Event Ceremonialism
Dog Feast
Tipi Painting
Offering Pole
The Elements of Ritualism

WARFARE
Motives
Procedure of the Raid
The Return
Scalping
War Exploits
Vengeance Party
Insignia
Metaphor of Battle
A War Record

PART TWO
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PLAINS CREE CULTURE

THE PROBLEM

THE EASTERN AFFILIATIONS OF PLAINS CREE CULTURE

MATERIAL CULTURE AND ECONOMIC LIFE
Housing
Ceremonial Structures
Household Furnishings and Utensils
Dress
Personal Adornment
The Food Quest
Food Preparation
Transport
Weapons
Manufactures
Musical Instruments

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION
Chieftainship
Societies
Rank and Prestige

THE INDIVIDUAL LIFE CYCLE
Birth
Puberty
Marriage
Death, Burial, Mourning

RELIGION AND CEREMONIALISM
Supernatural
The Vision Quest
Shamanism
Hunting Observances
Elements of Ritualism
Ceremonialism
Secular Dances, Minor Ceremonialism, Beliefs

WARFARE

SUMMARY

THE PLAINS AFFILIATIONS OF PLAINS CREE CULTURE

MATERIAL CULTURE AND ECONOMIC LIFE
Housing
Household Furnishings
Dress
Personal Adornment
The Food Quest
Food Preparation
Transport
Weapons
Manufactures
Musical Instruments

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION
The Individual Life Cycle

RELIGION AND CEREMONIALISM

WARFARE

SUMMARY

PART THREE
CONCLUSIONS

APPENDIX
A. Month Names and Other Terminologies
B. A Vision Experience and its Consequences
C. Field Sketches

BIBLIOGRAPHY