14th Annual Report Bureau of Ethnology - Part Two

To the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1892 to 1893.

In his seminal work, "The Ghost-Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890," James Mooney delves into the complexities surrounding the Ghost Dance movement and the tragic events at Wounded Knee. Mooney, an ethnographer with the Bureau of American Ethnology, meticulously researched the Ghost Dance phenomenon, visiting its prophet Wovoka and tracing its spread among various tribes. He describes the core beliefs – a vision of renewed prosperity, earthly restoration, and the return of deceased ancestors – that resonated with Native Americans facing immense social and cultural upheaval due to forced assimilation and reservation life. The book then shifts its focus to the Lakota Sioux (often referred to as "Sioux" by Mooney) and the anxieties the Ghost Dance ignited among US authorities. Mooney argues that the Ghost Dance itself was a peaceful religious movement, but misunderstandings and heightened tensions culminated in the massacre at Wounded Knee, a dark stain on American history. Through extensive interviews, firsthand accounts, and historical context, Mooney's work offers a valuable perspective on a pivotal moment in the relationship between Native Americans and the US government. 491 pages on the The Ghost Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890.

Author: James Wesley Powell
Illustrations: B/W Photos & Plates
Dated: 1896
Pages: 491
Publisher: GPO
Edition: First Edition
Size: 4to
Binding: Decorated Hardcover
Type: Native American Indians
Subject: The Sioux and the Ghost Dance Religion
Notes & Literature: ames Wesley Powell, a multifaceted explorer and scientist, had a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship with Indigenous populations in the American West. He led a daring expedition down the Colorado River in 1869, becoming the first non-Native person to navigate the treacherous canyons. Powell valued Indigenous knowledge of the region and employed some Native American guides. However, he also subscribed to social Darwinist views, believing Native cultures were inferior and destined to assimilate. As the second Director of the Bureau of Ethnology, Powell advocated for the preservation of Indigenous languages and artifacts, but also supported policies of forced assimilation onto reservations. His legacy regarding Native Americans remains a source of debate, with some highlighting his documentation efforts and others criticizing his role in government policies that ultimately undermined Indigenous cultures.

Condition Report: Very Good.

Subject References: 491