Encyclopedia of Native American Healing - by William S Lyon (Hardcover)

About the Book

This compelling volume explores the various aspects of Native American healing found cross-culturally in North America, including Canadian and Inuit cultures.
In Encyclopedia of Native American Healing, the extensive entries span topics such as renowned healers throughout history in the various cultures; societies and divisions into which healers were categorized; sacred objects employed in healing rituals and how each was used; the different types of healing ceremonies conducted; plants used to increase healing powers; symbolic motifs used in healing rituals; major concepts that form the healing traditions; and major scholars of Native American healing.

This reference work will appeal to the interested layperson as well as students of Native American cultures.

Book Synopsis

This compelling volume explores the various aspects of Native American healing found cross-culturally in North America, including Canadian and Inuit cultures.

In Encyclopedia of Native American Healing, the extensive entries span topics such as renowned healers throughout history in the various cultures; societies and divisions into which healers were categorized; sacred objects employed in healing rituals and how each was used; the different types of healing ceremonies conducted; plants used to increase healing powers; symbolic motifs used in healing rituals; major concepts that form the healing traditions; and major scholars of Native American healing.

This reference work will appeal to the interested layperson as well as students of Native American cultures.

From the Back Cover

With more than 1,200 entries, the Encyclopedia of Native American Healing introduces readers to renowned Native American healers throughout history; societies and divisions into which healers were categorized; sacred objects used in healing rituals and how each was used; types of healing ceremonies conducted; plants used to increase healing powers; symbolic motifs used in healing rituals; major concepts that formed Native American healing traditions; and major scholars of Native American healing, complete with first-hand accounts of their experiences. The alphabetical entries are cross-referenced, enabling the reader to thoroughly explore a particular concept or the evolution and relationship of ideas, practices, customs, ceremonies, and peoples. Each entry cites tribal origin and corresponding geographic location. These regions, in turn, are keyed to tribal territorial maps that pinpoint exact tribe locations. A bibliography and a subject index complete this work, making it a fundamental resource for students and scholars alike.

Review Quotes

"Lyon offers an excellent overview of shamanic healing, a topic that has been largely ignored in the reference literature. Recommended for academic collections in anthropology or Native American studies." --Library Journal

"This is a significant contribution to the study of Native American shamanic healing. It benefits from the author's 26 years as a field researcher. This is a purchase suitable for general Native American collections and for comprehensive medical collections." --American Reference Books Annual

About the Author

William S. Lyon is professor of anthropology serving on the graduate faculty of the Center for Religious Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, where he specializes in Native American religion. He is the author of several books for ABC-CLIO.