Potlatch: Native Ceremony and Myth on the Northwest Coast - Hardcover

Beck presents a compelling account of the potlatch ceremony and its place in one community s celebrations of life . . . she weaves in legends and gives a good picture of the Tlingits beliefs and a view of how their society worked and survived. Debbie Carter, "Fairbanks Daily News-Miner" Mary Giraudo Beck s "Potlatch" is a rich anthropological history of the ceremonies of giving celebrated by the native peoples of Alaska, Canada, Washington, and Oregon. Using the tradition of storytelling, and help from Raven, her books brings to life these gatherings. "Elliott Bay Booknotes" "

Among the Northwest Coast Indians (Tlingit, Haida, and others), potlatches traditionally are lavish community gatherings marking important events, such as funerals or marriages. In celebrations that often last many days, sumptuous meals are served; legends about clans and ancestors are sung and enacted with dances, masks, costumes, and drums; totem poles are often raised; and gifts are presented to all guests. Through this custom, cultural ties are renewed and strengthened. Using details from historical potlatches, and skillfully weaving in legends about animals and spirits revered by Natives Raven, Grizzly Bear, Salmon, Frog Mary Beck creates a compelling account of the potlatch ceremony and its place in a community s celebration of life, death, and continuity."