Dances of the Tewa Pueblo Indians : expressions of new life

by Jill D. Sweet

Paperback, 1985

Publication

Imprint: Santa Fe, N.M. : School of American Research Press, c1985. Context: Based on portions of the author's thesis (Ph. D.--University of New-Mexico, 1981). Edition: First edition. Responsibility: Jill D. Sweet. Photographs by Roger Sweet. Physical: Text : 1 volume : xi, 99 pages : illustrations (some coll.) ; 23 cm Features: Includes bibliography, index.

Call number

PA / Sweet

Barcode

BK-01215

ISBN

093345211X / 9780933452114

Collections

Your library, Adult Materials, Arts and Letters

CSS Library Notes

Description: This illustrated book explores the history and cultural meaning of the ceremonial dances of New Mexico's Tewa Pueblo Indian people. Tewas say they perform these rituals in order to "regain life" or to "find new life." Each performance is a communal prayer that renews the spiritual well-being of the group and the physical well-being of the environment." This new edition features the voices of Tewa dancers and composers and images by contemporary Tewa artists that explain the significance of dance to Tewa identity and community. The author frames their words with her own poignant reflections on more than twenty years of study and friendship with these creative and enduring people. -- from publisher

Table of Contents: Seekers of Life p. 1
Tewa Pueblo Indians p. 3
Two Types of Public Performance p. 9
New Life p. 10
Tewa Village Rituals p. 15
The Performance p. 15
Some Meanings and Messages p. 21
An Annual Cycle p. 34
Theatrical Productions p. 43
Anglo-Organized Ceremonials p. 44
Tewa-Organized Ceremonials p. 48
Other Theatrical Performances p. 53
Ritual and Theater p. 55
Visitors in the Tewa World p. 61
Tewa Perceptions of Tourists p. 62
Tourist Perceptions of Tewas p. 66
Hosts and Guests p. 67
Keeping the Rituals Alive p. 69
The More Predictable Dates for Tewa Village Ritual Performances p. 77
A Guide to Identifying Tewa Dances

FY1989 /

Physical description

xi, 99 p.; 23 cm

Description

Great changes have swept the world of the Tewa Indian peoples of New Mexico since 1985, when this volume first appeared, including changes in relationships between Indian communities and the anthropologists who wish to study them. Returning to her classic work, anthropologist Jill D. Sweet revisits the ideas and the people who first inspired her love of the Tewa Pueblo dances. The Tewa have become increasingly sophisticated in managing tourism, including the new casinos, to ensure that it contributes to the persistence and even the revitalization of ancient ritual practices. This expanded edition reflects these changes by featuring the voices of Tewa dancers, composers, and others to explain the significance of dance to their understanding of Tewa identity and community. The author frames their words with her own poignant reflections on more than twenty years of study and friendship with these creative and enduring people.… (more)