Patterns in the Sky : An Introduction to Ethnoastronomy

by Stephen Michael Fabian

Since the beginning of humankind, people around the world have had a strong interest in the powers and beings perceived in the sky. This compelling short work helps students fully understand and appreciate the ways in which non-Western indigenous and small-scale societies perceive, conceptualize, and make sure of what they astronomically observe. With its concise explanations of prominent astronomical phenomena, discussions of relevant crosscultural examples, and instructive suggestions for active field research, Patterns in the Sky is a unique and practical guide for doing ethnoastronomy. In addition, Fabian offers exercises in observational astronomy with the naked eye so that students can get in touch with the cosmos and natural world around them. Title of related interest also available from Waveland McCleary, The Stars We Crow Indian Astronomy and Lifeways, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577667261).

Genres: Nonfiction

125 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2001

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally purchased this book when I was feeling curious about indigenous astronomy - in particular, indigenous stellar observations. I remember in elementary school, we had StarLab once a year, and it was fascinating! We learned about three different star "maps": the Western scientific map, a sort of "pan-African-American" star map, and a "Native American" star map. I was really amazed to learn that different peoples/cultures had different names for constellations, or even identified totally different shapes in the night sky! So I got this book thinking that it would be talking about that. I have to say, I was disappointed. The author does more of an overview of ethnoastronomical field research, sprinkling in his own or other researchers' anecdotal evidence of indigenous cosmological systems. Not quite what I was looking for. But the author does cite a lot of works that go deeper into special topics within ethnoastronomy than he does in the book. He offers a plenty of suggested works for those wishing to know more (including the work of two professors who used to be at my university!). A good read to whet your appetite!

[Alun Salt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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