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The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk's Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux
Black Elk of the Sioux has been recognized as one of the truly remarkable men of his time in the matter of religious belief and practice. Shortly before his death in August, 1950, when he was the "keeper of the sacred pipe," he said, "It is my prayer that, through our sacred pipe, and through this book in which I shall explain what our pipe really is, peace may come to tho...more
Paperback, 172 pages
Published
October 15th 1989
by University of Oklahoma Press
(first published 1953)
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I've been a Black Elk fan since last year when I read Black Elk Speaks. Then, last month I was on mission trip to the Pine Ridge Reservation and really enjoyed a presentation on the Lakota spirituality and the seven sacred rituals. I then discovered that there was this book of Black Elk describing the rituals, so I bought it (at the Red Cloud School gift shop) and began reading it while on the rez.
There are very interesting insights in spirituality, some of which I will use, particularly in my...more
There are very interesting insights in spirituality, some of which I will use, particularly in my...more
I refer to this book again and again and have a well-worn 1986 paperback of the original 1971 Penguin printing. It's more of a reference book than something you read once. Joseph Epes Brown recorded his conversations with Black Elk, a Holy man of the Oglala speaking about the rites associated with the pipe. It's a book of theology and philosophy and filled with sacred knowledge. This is not a light read. And it is definitely not a how to book. It should be read with the understanding that this i...more
Valuable as a detailed exposition of the seven sacred rites of the Oglala Sioux by the last of the tribe's holy men, Black Elk, this book has significant ethnographical and historical interest - especially for its detailed descriptions of the Sun Dance Ceremony, of the Vision Quest, of the keeping and releasing of souls, etc. The ritual for these are given in full, with their step-by-step procedures and the actual words and gestures used. Unfortunately, the editor, Joseph Epes Brown, has provide...more
I'm not really sure how to rate this because it's just what Black Elk told Joseph Epes Brown, so am I rating what he told him??? These rites are fascinating and definitely worth the read. The only thing is that some of them get a little long (and redundant) as the holy men pray for everything to be in the pipe. But that is what they did, so it seems as though I'm rating the rites, but I'm really not.
Jun 29, 2009
Lori
added it
Straight translation of Black Elk describing the rituals. The valuable parts where in the footnotes, where the translator explained terms in comparison to Christian, Islamic, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. concepts.
I learned so much about Native American spirituality and rituals. Highly recommend for people who are interested in Native culture.
Not as good as "Black Elk Speaks", but good analysis of rituals.
This is a classic for anyone interested in Lakota religion and ways...
Joseph Brown lived with Black Elk who later entrusted him with the spiritual details of Sioux life. Contained a few details and ceremonies I had never heard of before.
A great book about a great American Indian tribe
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From Wikipedia:
Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk) (c. December 1863 – August 17 or August 19, 1950) was a famous Wičháša Wakȟáŋ (Medicine Man or Holy Man) of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux). He was Heyoka and a second cousin of Crazy Horse.
More about Black Elk...
Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk) (c. December 1863 – August 17 or August 19, 1950) was a famous Wičháša Wakȟáŋ (Medicine Man or Holy Man) of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux). He was Heyoka and a second cousin of Crazy Horse.
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