Woodslane | Book - 9780801886294

Add to Cart Academic Inspection Copy

Lacrosse Legends of the First Americans

ISBN-13: 9780801886294
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS
Imprint: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS
By Thomas Vennum
Price: AUD $62.99
Stock: 0 in stock
Availability: This book is temporarily out of stock, order will be despatched as soon as fresh stock is received.
Local release date: 13/09/2007
Format: Paperback (235.00mm X 145.00mm) 184 pages Weight: 310g
Categories: Sport & leisure industries [KNSP]

Description

Table of Contents

Reviews

Google Preview

An ancient Native American sport, lacrosse was originally played to resolve conflicts, heal the sick, and develop strong, virile men. In Lacrosse Legends of the First Americans, Thomas Vennum draws on centuries of oral tradition to collect thirteen legends from five tribes -- the Cherokee, Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), Seneca, Ojibwa, and Menominee. Reflecting the game's origins and early history, these myths provide a glimpse into Native American life and the role of the 'Creator's Game" in tribal culture. From the Great Game in which the Birds defeated the Quadrupeds to high-stakes contests after which the losers literally lost their heads, these stories reveal the fascinating spiritual world of the first lacrosse players as well as the violent reality of the original sport. Lacrosse enthusiasts will learn about game equipment, ritual preparations, dress, and style of play, from stick handling to scoring. They will discover how the 'coach' -- a medicine man -- conjured potions to prevent game injuries or make the opponent's leg cramp as well as how early craftsmen identified the perfect tree -- marked by a lightning strike -- from which to carve a lacrosse stick.The game is no longer played by large numbers of men on mile-long fields, and plastic, titanium, and nylon have replaced hickory and ash, leather, and catgut. As lacrosse continues to evolve, this collection will help us remember and understand its rich and complex history.

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Animals as Star PlayersThe Great Game in Which the Birds Defeat the QuadrupedsA Dog's Power Beats the Old Chief2. Game Equipment from the Upper WorldThe Pale MoonPlaying with an Evil HeadThe First Lacrosse Ball3. Wagers and WarriorsPlaying for HeadsWakayabide Is Killed Playing Lacrosse and Later Takes RevengeThe Warriors of the Ho-Chunk Nation Struggle on Home Turf4. Tricksters and Culture HeroesHe Who Wears Human Heads for Earrings Defeats the GiantsManabus Is Dogged by WavesWhy the Turkey Buzzard Has a Red Scabby Neck5. Trees to Stop the ActionSnakes around the NeckAn Unusual Penalty BoxConclusionAppendix: Ethnographic IndexBibliographic NoteIndex

""It is to Vennum's credit that he has brought these legends to a wider audience and demonstrated the relevance of what might seem at first glance unpromising territory for sport scientists.""

Google Preview content

Popular Subjects

Woodslane Online Catalogues

Lacrosse Legends of the First Americans