I'm currently re-reading my favorite book of all time: 'Hanta Yo' by Ruth Beebe Hill.
If you're interested in Native American culture, this is a truly fascinating and beautiful read. It's the only work the author ever produced, having worked for nearly three decades researching and interviewing hundreds of Native Americans in order to produce a historically accurate portrayal of life in a Native tribe during the late 18th - early 19th centuries. Her manuscript was translated into the Dakotah/Lakotah dialect, and then back to English, in order to "faithfully reflect the Indian idiom." I find myself reading practically every paragraph several times over, because everything is so beautifully worded and impactful.
I've always had a deep appreciation and fascination for Native American culture, and truthfully that influence is a large part of why I smoke a pipe. I believe that in the right setting, with the right tobacco, that pipe smoking can be a spiritual experience. An experience that I'm thankful to have had on many occasions.
In the book, the spiritual healer/seer Wanagi is tasked with creating a unique ceremonial pipe. I wanted to share these few passages describing the crafting of that pipe. I found it incredible to read and thought that some of you, who also appreciate this beautiful culture lost to time, might find it as interesting as I did.
(A pte is a buffalo, the sacred and respected life-source of this plains tribe)
If you're interested in Native American culture, this is a truly fascinating and beautiful read. It's the only work the author ever produced, having worked for nearly three decades researching and interviewing hundreds of Native Americans in order to produce a historically accurate portrayal of life in a Native tribe during the late 18th - early 19th centuries. Her manuscript was translated into the Dakotah/Lakotah dialect, and then back to English, in order to "faithfully reflect the Indian idiom." I find myself reading practically every paragraph several times over, because everything is so beautifully worded and impactful.
I've always had a deep appreciation and fascination for Native American culture, and truthfully that influence is a large part of why I smoke a pipe. I believe that in the right setting, with the right tobacco, that pipe smoking can be a spiritual experience. An experience that I'm thankful to have had on many occasions.
In the book, the spiritual healer/seer Wanagi is tasked with creating a unique ceremonial pipe. I wanted to share these few passages describing the crafting of that pipe. I found it incredible to read and thought that some of you, who also appreciate this beautiful culture lost to time, might find it as interesting as I did.
(A pte is a buffalo, the sacred and respected life-source of this plains tribe)
