Thunder Rides a Black Horse: Analysis
Thunder Rides a Black Horse
Introduction to Anthropology 01
This report is based on the book Thunder Rides a Black Horse written by Claire R. Farrer. This book is written in context of an indian group called the Mescalero Apache Indians. Their reservation and ceremonial grounds are based in the south-central part of New Mexico. The author is very familiar with this tribe as she claims to be like family with some of the members. She writes this book based on her visit to join in on one of their big traditions. It is called the puberty ceremonials. These ceremonies are where the young girls of the tribe are traditionally accepted as women into their society. The Mescalero Apache Indians still use a lot of their old traditions and still believe in their old myths. Bernard, who was a dear friend of the author told many stories revolving the the ancient ways of the Mescalero Apache tribe. As in their creation, their ways of live, and even their traditions.
In total, the amount of days that take place during the girls puberty ceremonial days are four. The four days symbolizes the myth of white painted women. During the second day there are no morning rituals for the girls, its meant for rest and visiting. Also for the adults it revolves around drinking. Alcoholism has affected a lot of indian reservations and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is no exception (p.57). Alcoholism is believed to be a disease. Mescalero people are open with the discussion on alcoholism. There is in fact an alcohol rehabilitation center on the reservation (p.58). You are most likely to see drunken people on the second and third day of the ceremony. Most of the women during this time prepare foods for the following days.
During the third day on the ceremonial grounds, it is a quiet day in terms of ceremonial activities. Although there are many rodeo activities that fill up the afternoon. Also there is an afternoon powwow that takes
Introduction to Anthropology 01
This report is based on the book Thunder Rides a Black Horse written by Claire R. Farrer. This book is written in context of an indian group called the Mescalero Apache Indians. Their reservation and ceremonial grounds are based in the south-central part of New Mexico. The author is very familiar with this tribe as she claims to be like family with some of the members. She writes this book based on her visit to join in on one of their big traditions. It is called the puberty ceremonials. These ceremonies are where the young girls of the tribe are traditionally accepted as women into their society. The Mescalero Apache Indians still use a lot of their old traditions and still believe in their old myths. Bernard, who was a dear friend of the author told many stories revolving the the ancient ways of the Mescalero Apache tribe. As in their creation, their ways of live, and even their traditions.
In total, the amount of days that take place during the girls puberty ceremonial days are four. The four days symbolizes the myth of white painted women. During the second day there are no morning rituals for the girls, its meant for rest and visiting. Also for the adults it revolves around drinking. Alcoholism has affected a lot of indian reservations and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is no exception (p.57). Alcoholism is believed to be a disease. Mescalero people are open with the discussion on alcoholism. There is in fact an alcohol rehabilitation center on the reservation (p.58). You are most likely to see drunken people on the second and third day of the ceremony. Most of the women during this time prepare foods for the following days.
During the third day on the ceremonial grounds, it is a quiet day in terms of ceremonial activities. Although there are many rodeo activities that fill up the afternoon. Also there is an afternoon powwow that takes
References: Farrer, Claire R. Thunder Rides a Black Horse. California, 2011. Print.