The Power of Kiowa Song: A Collaborative Ethnography by Luke E. Lassiter
Reviewed by: Laura Warren, Adult Services Manager
Genre: Non-Fiction, American Indian Culture
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: In The Power of Kiowa Song, Luke E. Lassiter discusses many aspects of American Indian powwow including the dances and the songs performed there, with special attention to Gourd Dance. Each chapter explores the path that the author took to study with American Indian individuals, as well as what he learned while studying with them. The chapters include diagrams of the way these dances are set up as well as song structure for those songs performed there. The history that these people have endured is explored as well. The importance of song meaning and correctness of singing are discussed through experience and through the help of generous individuals and their expertise. The author must gain the respect of the community, due to the dubious history that American Indians have had with anthropologists, to put this book together.
My Review: This book has both stories and data gathered by the author as an anthropologist. My academic training is as an anthropologist as well, so I enjoy the amount of knowledge this book imparts, but this is by no means just a dry list of facts. Lassiter places us in his shoes as he approaches the individuals that he so desperately wants to learn from. We go down the path with him and learn from those who mentor him through the powwow. We begin to know these people and they become co-authors, through their wisdom and vast knowledge. We begin to understand that these songs have power, and what that means in the context of American Indian culture. Luke E. Lassiter has a great respect for the individuals he ends up singing alongside, and we can really feel this throughout this book.
Three Words That Describe This Book: informative, fascinating, uplifting
Give This a Try if You Like… Cahokia: The Great Native American Metropolis, Traditional Teachings of Native American Elders, American Indian Culture, Music Theory, Dance History
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!