
Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch
A Traditional Medical Practice in the Modern World
David W. Kriebel
Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch
A Traditional Medical Practice in the Modern World
David W. Kriebel
“Making the subject even more fascinating is Kriebel’s contention that some modern powwow activists have reinvigorated the ancient practice as a ‘new age’ phenomenon. Altogether, a fascinating exploration of a novel subject.”
- Description
- Reviews
- Bio
- Table of Contents
- Sample Chapters
- Subjects
Based on seven years of fieldwork and extensive interviews, David Kriebel’s study reveals the vibrant world, history, and culture of powwowing in southeastern and central Pennsylvania. He describes, compares, and contrasts powwowing practices of the past and the present; discusses in detail the belief in powwowing as healing; and assesses the future of Braucherei. Biographical sketches of seven living powwowers shed additional light on this little-understood topic.
A groundbreaking inquiry into Pennsylvania German culture and history, Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch opens a window onto an archaic, semi-mystical tradition still very much in practice today.
“Making the subject even more fascinating is Kriebel’s contention that some modern powwow activists have reinvigorated the ancient practice as a ‘new age’ phenomenon. Altogether, a fascinating exploration of a novel subject.”
“A well-written and wonderfully enjoyable book. Part of the volume’s appeal stems from Kriebel’s integration of case studies and appendices that allow powwowers and their clients to speak for themselves.”
“An engaging introduction to the practice, and . . . a serious source for the study of a field to which there has been paid far too little attention.”
“An engaging read that illustrates the longevity of folkways within American ethnic groups despite the changes in the larger worlds of medicine and culture.”
David W. Kriebel is an anthropologist and writer specializing in religion and medicine. He has published articles on powwowing in The Journal of the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, The Pennsylvania German Review, and Esoterica.
Contents
Preface
1. On the Trail of a Lost Art
2. A Powwow Primer
3. Powwow Ritual: Structure and Performance
4. Powwowing, Medicine, and the Act of Healing
5. Powwowing in Pennsylvania
6. Some Contemporary Powwowers
7. A Pennsylvania Dutch Model of Powwowing
8. The Persistence of Powwowing
Appendixes
1. Theoretical Background
2. Glossary of Illnesses
3. An Excerpt from Albertus Magnus: Egyptian Secrets
4. Life Dates of Twentieth-Century Powwowers in This Study
5. Characteristics of Twentieth-Century Powwowers in This Study
6. Data on Twentieth-Century Ritual Practice
7. Additional Powwow Cases
Bibliography
Index
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