Thunder Rides a Black Horse: Mescalero Apaches and the Mythic Present

by Claire R. Farrer

The impressive four-day and four-night Mescalero Apache girls puberty ceremonial provides the structure for Farrer's consideration of the ways in which old myths and legends inform contemporary actions and beliefs. Why people behave as they do is as much a focus as is their actual behavior. Through instructions given to Farrer by Bernard Second, her Apache teacher for fourteen years, readers gain insight into the importance of narrative, not just in ceremony but especially in everyday living on a contemporary Indian reservation in the American Southwest. Sights and smells are almost palpable as the author provides the best in reflexive ethnography by allowing readers to see her as a person rather than an all-knowing anthropologist. She neither romanticizes nor patronizes the Apachean people, who are presented as people with foibles as well as possessing much worthy of admiration.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, School, Ethnography, Textbooks, Native American

124 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This brief ethnography focuses on the coming-of-age/puberty ritual for girls of the Mescalero Apache tribe. The best elements of it are the descriptions of the ceremony, especially from an academic perspective, and Farrer's skillful explanations of "mythic present" as well as the blending of Anglo and Apache concepts of time. Farrer's writing is best where it combines personal experience and relationships with the fieldwork. Where it is lacking is in any sort of cohesive thesis. It lacks focus, and the last two chapters especially seem to reflect the author's attempt to justify thoughts she is having, but it's ineffectually done and overly long. Far too much navel-gazing.

Considered for Anth 130 World Cultures. Opted not to use as a tex.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming of age ceremony depicted in the 1960/70. To much about the author, not enough about the actual Apache participants

[Maria Sciarrino · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Had to read this for a class - A nice look into the Mescalero Apaches from the point of view of an anthropologist that genuinely cares for the people. I liked that the book was personal rather than just an objective recount of the girls' puberty ceremonial. It was very interesting and gave me an insight to Indian reservations, some of the struggles they face against the regulations of the federal government, and the myths that they hold dear.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting ethnography. Very personal.

A privileged insight into the liminal transformation of Anglo woman into fictive familial member of the Mescalero Apache Indians, through her inclusion into their most essential of collective celebrations: the girl to "mother of her tribe" transformation ritual.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating! I don't know why but I feel drawn to Native American approach to life. This book informed me more about the Mescalero Apaches and their life as well as the horrible contradiction between their life and the historical (and present-day) treatment of native peoples by the US Government in all its levels.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice ethnography/useful for religious and womens studies as well as American Southwest

[Lindsey.parks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for a class, wasnt too shabby.

[M.B. Bunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspiring ethnography.