The Mystic Warriors of the Plains: The Culture, Arts, Crafts and Religion of the Plains Indians

by Thomas E. Mails

The Mystic Warriors of the Plains offers readers an extraordinarily detailed view of the daily activities of the peoples of the North American plains, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, Pawnee, Nez Perce, Comanche, and many others. Used by Kevin Costner as a resource text for the motion picture Dances with Wolves, this is an extraordinarily in-depth examination of the day-to-day lives of the North American plains Indians, with over one thousand illustrations and thirty-two four-color plates. Covering everything from social customs, personal qualities, and government to types of weaponry, achievement marks, and the training of Indian boys, The Mystic Warriors of the Plains is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Plains Indian lore that will delight and inform everyone interested in understanding the native peoples of the Plains. "Magnificently and accurately ... conveys both the tragic ironies and splendors of the rich plains civilization." —Newsweek "Fascinating detail that gives a better idea of the plains people than mere description can do...."—Navajo Times

Genres: History, Native American, Native Americans, American History, Nonfiction, Anthropology

640 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 1972

Reviews

[Tamara aka SoMysteriousLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read and re-read this one many times over the years. Firstly because it's a massive tome, secondly because it's fascinating to me. I was hooked when I read the dedication page: "To Al Miller and To a People who once danced in the Sun"

I like how it's broken down into segments- religious etc, arts, ways of life. This means I can pick a topic at a time and enjoy the process of learning the how and why of their cultures. This is a book to be savored, not devoured and is worthy of the time needed to enjoy it.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great, great, great & extensive visual reference. hand-drawn and watercolored images of more than enough plains indians' weapons, tools, clothing, housing, and/or so many other accoutrements. amazing. i have yet to see a reference book able to challenge this currently out-of-print edition. (oh... and there's good background text too - y'know, for those who read).

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensive compilation of details both written and visual. As an artist I found this a wonderful resource for understanding the Plains Tribes and how their crafts, design and art informed their lives. Their connections with nature and spirituality was breathtaking.

[Valerie Hemlin]

Dan Parkinson, another western writer, recommended this book to me when I first started writing my western as the BEST go-to on the cultural, spiritual and historical reference as a starter for overall information. I highly recommend it.

[D.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the go to book on the Plains Indians. Beautifully written and illustrated, it covers culture, religion, claning and treaties between the tribes . Full of useful information, and great insight into the daily lives of these special people. It was a great help to me when I was writing my book.

[Jim]

This is a great book for anyone interested in the culture of the Native Americans. Well written,with many illustrations.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I own.

[Bethany Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

my Bible so to speak.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

so full of True History..
love it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is of the Top of Historical real facts.. love it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

[Nathan Trachta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll open by saying when I was younger I read a fair amount about the Lakota and Cheyenne. Back then my readings were from Mr. Grinnell and other writers who’d taken the time to talk with the Cheyenne or the Lakota. I wanted to renew some of that spirit in myself so I pick up Mr. Mail’s The Mystic Warriors of the Plains and summit up with Wow!
This is a beautiful book that is most excellent in so many ways. I’ll open by saying on the front cover it says PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED; Truth! There are many illustrations throughout the book, some in color, most in black and white. Many are simple though there’s enough with either complex images or good details to make the book worth it for that alone.
As for the writing Mr. Mail is chapters cover all aspects of the Plains people and what’s mind blowing is Mr. Mail does a great job covering the small nations as well as the larger one; and he doesn’t in one region, instead he covers the the Plains of America. Good analysis is provided with Mr. Mail paying tribute to the writer he uses to support his presentation. As for the chapters, they do an outstanding job of giving the read an excellent idea of what the Plains warrior would have been like, thought/been brought up to believe, and how they lived. Really rather than being a book that you read through cover-to-cover this is a book that you pour though a chapter or two to gain a detail or to help point you to where additional information might be. A great piece for people interested Plains Warriors.