The Spirit of Indian Women

by Judith Fitzgerald, Janine Pease (Introduction), Michael Oren Fitzgerald (Editor)

The Spirit of Indian Women provides a unique glimpse into a world that is almost inaccessible in our time. Through the combined power of photos, art, and the wisdom of traditional voices, modern readers can come to feel something of the timeless spirit of Indian women.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Native American, Photography, Womens

158 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2005

Reviews

[Lynne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving tribute to the Spiritual beliefs of the Native American women. This book though small is large and powerful in the way in which it will touch your very being.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5/5

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...I am going to write a review but I doubt I’m going to like it myself.
The book is a series of quotations and excerpts from a variety of Native American women. Some I liked. Some not as much.
I think this book is great as a starting point or as a reference for someone wanting to know more about Native American culture.
Personally I think I would have enjoyed the book more with some kind of reference to the cultures and peoples being quoted. Again, this is where I think this would be a good book for someone already studying the subject.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While fascinating, this book is filled with photos of Indian women, and statements from Indian men. Most of the photos are not identified either - they simply state "unknown, Ogalala Lakota" - even when the woman is identified, there is no other history about hr specifically - just general stories and tales about the great spirit Mother and the Earth Mother and the like.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it's one thing I truly love, that's Native American literature. This book is pack with pictures and Indigenous story telling by some men and mostly women. The literature depictured is rich and deep in the Indian culture before the eighteenth century. The old way of life as if living in a tepee and watching the Nothern Lights. I found the book to be spiritual and very moving.

[Spock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some things I enjoyed, some not so much. My favorite being:

“WHEN CHANGING WOMAN gets to be a certain old age, she goes walking toward the east. After a while she sees herself in the distance looking like a young girl walking toward her. They both walk until they come together and after that there is only one.
She is like a young girl again.”

Apache

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a compilation of essays and poems written by native American people, from many tribes, mostly women. It describes the daily routines in the lives of women. It also goes into great detail about the way they believe. Nature is very important and their religious beliefs follow nature.

[Don Gubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A treasure in stories and pictures that educates and uplifts.

[David W. Kasich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very spiritual and grounding. The stories open your mind and refresh your spirit.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! To be able to read about Indian women’s memories and beliefs in their own words was enlightening and uplifting.

[Barb Innes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! Not just about the Indian women, but all Indians and their culture and beliefs. The photographs of the Indian Women were powerful and beautiful!
I enjoyed this quote "The grandfathers and the grandmothers are in the children: teach them well. Ojibwa proverb"

[Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Spirit of Indian Women" was a unique approach to presenting the position of women in Indian society... from the use of lore to explain tradition, and philosophy... to the pictures of the women of various tribes in full regalia. This book took the women from the subservient beings we have heard of, to valued, esteemed, members of society. Powerful in it's simplicity!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book to read. It is about the status of Indian Women in a variety of tribes. They were looked upon as an equal to their husbands, they were revered for their child bearing and other gifts they give to the men in their lives, and their tribes as a whole.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs of american Indian women pre 1900. Includes interesting stories told by women concerning their traditional roles in their marriage and clan.

[Jahque Sweeney-Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting