Potlatch: Native Ceremony and Myth on the Northwest Coast

by Mary Giraudo Beck, Marvin Oliver (Illustrator)

Beck describes the Pacific Northwest Coast Indian potlatch ceremony and its traditional place in a community's celebration of life, death, and giving thanks.

Genres: Nonfiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[Melissa Widmaier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A provocative and oft times emotional glimpse into the ceremonial lives of the clans in the Tlingit tribe of the Pacific Northwest. No detail is spared and the inclusion of the ever-important stories of the clan myths help to create a deeper understanding of the culture.

[Peter Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

So you have to take this book for what it is: it's a description of a potlatch celebration. Mostly about literally one specific potlatch. It does not go into extensive detail to orient you to the situation, nor does it go into the historical ramifications for blah blah blah. It's a nice & "calm" description is what I would say - given the many references to, "If this thing had been performed poorly, or too intensely, or something, then this might have led to violence, or war." ... so for understanding precisely what it's titled for, it's great!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small book is packed full of knowlege, told in a very interesting way. It tells of the ceremonies and legends of the Tlingit people of southern Alaska and northern BC. The author has entwined these together in a readable manner that makes me want to investigate this subject more.