Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology By: John Wesley Powell (1834-1902)
In John Wesley Powell's Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology, readers are provided with a comprehensive analysis of the governance and societal structures of the Wyandot tribe. This groundbreaking study delves into the intricate details of the Wyandot's political organization, social customs, and their gradual transition from their ancestral lands to reservations. Powell, a renowned explorer and ethnologist, presents his findings in a concise yet highly informative manner. Through a meticulous examination of historical records, personal interviews, and observations of the Wyandot people, he unveils the inner workings of their government and sheds light on their unique sociocultural dynamics. One of the book's strengths is Powell's ability to present complex information in a manner that is accessible to readers of various backgrounds. He seamlessly navigates between historical accounts and his own ethnographic research, making the book both engaging and educational. Furthermore, Powell’s lucid writing style allows readers to grasp the intricacies of the Wyandot tribe's governance system without feeling overwhelmed by technical information. The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to understand the intricacies of Wyandot governance. He explores the tribe's system of clans, their initiation rites, and the role of chiefs in mediating disputes - all of which contributed to the tribe's overall stability and cohesiveness. In addition, Powell analyzes the impact of external forces on the Wyandot tribe's governance structure. He discusses the consequences of their forced relocation, as well as the influence of colonial powers on their societal norms. By highlighting these external factors, the author emphasizes the agency of the Wyandot people in shaping their governance system as they adapt to changing circumstances. This broader historical context provides readers with a clearer understanding of the tribe's evolving political landscape. However, it is worth noting that some readers might find the book's brevity a limitation. At times, Powell's analysis feels condensed, leaving readers eager for further exploration of certain topics. Additionally, a more detailed examination of the tribe's historical context would have been beneficial for a complete understanding of their governance system. In conclusion, Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology offers a stimulating insight into the governance structures of the Wyandot tribe. Powell's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the unique political organization and social customs of this Native American community. This book serves as both a valuable resource for those interested in indigenous governance systems and a testament to Powell's expertise and dedication to ethnographic research. First Page: [Transcriber's Note: This text uses several diacritical marks: [)e] represents "e with breve," [n] represents "superscript n," ' at the end of syllables is a prime mark, [u.] represents "u with dot below."] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY. J. W. POWELL, DIRECTOR. WYANDOT GOVERNMENT: A SHORT STUDY OF TRIBAL SOCIETY. BY J. W. POWELL. In the social organization of the Wyandots four groups are recognized the family, the gens, the phratry, and the tribe. THE FAMILY. The family, as the term is here used, is nearly synonymous with the household. It is composed of the persons who occupy one lodge, or, in their permanent wigwams, one section of a communal dwelling. These permanent dwellings are constructed in an oblong form, of poles interwoven with bark. The fire is placed in line along the center, and is usually built for two families, one occupying the place on each side of the fire. The head of the family is a woman. THE GENS. The gens is an organized body of consanguineal kindred in the female line. "The woman carries the gens," is the formulated statement by which a Wyandot expresses the idea that descent is in the female line. Each gens has the name of some animal, the ancient of such animal being its tutelar god. Up to the time that the tribe left Ohio, eleven gentes were recognized, as follows: Deer, Bear, Highland Turtle (striped), Highland Turtle (black), Mud Turtle, Smooth Large Turtle, Hawk, Beaver, Wolf, Sea Snake, and Porcupine... Continue reading book >>

Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology By: John Wesley Powell (1834-1902)

In John Wesley Powell's Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology, readers are provided with a comprehensive analysis of the governance and societal structures of the Wyandot tribe. This groundbreaking study delves into the intricate details of the Wyandot's political organization, social customs, and their gradual transition from their ancestral lands to reservations.

Powell, a renowned explorer and ethnologist, presents his findings in a concise yet highly informative manner. Through a meticulous examination of historical records, personal interviews, and observations of the Wyandot people, he unveils the inner workings of their government and sheds light on their unique sociocultural dynamics.

One of the book's strengths is Powell's ability to present complex information in a manner that is accessible to readers of various backgrounds. He seamlessly navigates between historical accounts and his own ethnographic research, making the book both engaging and educational. Furthermore, Powell’s lucid writing style allows readers to grasp the intricacies of the Wyandot tribe's governance system without feeling overwhelmed by technical information.

The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to understand the intricacies of Wyandot governance. He explores the tribe's system of clans, their initiation rites, and the role of chiefs in mediating disputes - all of which contributed to the tribe's overall stability and cohesiveness.

In addition, Powell analyzes the impact of external forces on the Wyandot tribe's governance structure. He discusses the consequences of their forced relocation, as well as the influence of colonial powers on their societal norms. By highlighting these external factors, the author emphasizes the agency of the Wyandot people in shaping their governance system as they adapt to changing circumstances. This broader historical context provides readers with a clearer understanding of the tribe's evolving political landscape.

However, it is worth noting that some readers might find the book's brevity a limitation. At times, Powell's analysis feels condensed, leaving readers eager for further exploration of certain topics. Additionally, a more detailed examination of the tribe's historical context would have been beneficial for a complete understanding of their governance system.

In conclusion, Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology offers a stimulating insight into the governance structures of the Wyandot tribe. Powell's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the unique political organization and social customs of this Native American community. This book serves as both a valuable resource for those interested in indigenous governance systems and a testament to Powell's expertise and dedication to ethnographic research.

First Page:

[Transcriber's Note: This text uses several diacritical marks: [)e] represents "e with breve," [n] represents "superscript n," ' at the end of syllables is a prime mark, [u.] represents "u with dot below."]

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY.

J. W. POWELL, DIRECTOR.

WYANDOT GOVERNMENT:

A SHORT STUDY OF TRIBAL SOCIETY.

J. W. POWELL.

In the social organization of the Wyandots four groups are recognized the family, the gens, the phratry, and the tribe.

THE FAMILY.

The family, as the term is here used, is nearly synonymous with the household. It is composed of the persons who occupy one lodge, or, in their permanent wigwams, one section of a communal dwelling. These permanent dwellings are constructed in an oblong form, of poles interwoven with bark. The fire is placed in line along the center, and is usually built for two families, one occupying the place on each side of the fire.

The head of the family is a woman.

THE GENS.

The gens is an organized body of consanguineal kindred in the female line. "The woman carries the gens," is the formulated statement by which a Wyandot expresses the idea that descent is in the female line. Each gens has the name of some animal, the ancient of such animal being its tutelar god. Up to the time that the tribe left Ohio, eleven gentes were recognized, as follows:

Deer, Bear, Highland Turtle (striped), Highland Turtle (black), Mud Turtle, Smooth Large Turtle, Hawk, Beaver, Wolf, Sea Snake, and Porcupine... Continue reading book >>

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History

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