Description
Book SynopsisKnown in Pennsylvania Dutch as Brauche or Braucherei, the folk-healing practice of powwowing was thought to draw the power of God to heal all manner of physical and spiritual ills. Based on seven years of fieldwork and interviews, David Kriebel’s study reveals the world, history, and culture of powwowing in southeastern and central Pennsylvania.
Trade Review“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.”
—Sol Puech Bloomsbury Review
“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.”
—Karol K. Weaver Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography
“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.”
—Arthur Lawton Journal of Folklore Research
“An engaging read that illustrates the longevity of folkways within American ethnic groups despite the changes in the larger worlds of medicine and culture.”
—James Higgins H-Penn
Table of ContentsContents
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
