Rifles, Blankets, and Beads: Identity, History, and the Northern Athapaskan Potlatch

by William E. Simeone

Overview

Whoever heard of a party at which the hosts lavishly give away presents, refusing to accept any gifts in return, keeping little for themselves? This is the custom of the Northern Athapaskan potlatch, a tradition that has long fascinated Americans. In Rifles, Blankets, and Beads, William E. Simeone explores the potlatch and its role in balancing competition and cooperation among the Tanacross people, a Northern Athapaskan culture.

According to Simeone, the potlatch tradition helps the Tanacross people uphold standards of acceptable behavior through curbing competitiveness and stressing the ideals of cooperation. Simeone also examines Northern Athapaskan leadership practices, the introduction of trade goods into Athapaskan culture, and the complexities of cultural identity for the Tanacross.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806135083
Publisher:	University of Oklahoma Press
Publication date:	11/04/2002
Series:	The Civilization of the American Indian Series , #216
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

William E. Simeone works for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence. He is the author of several books and articles on Northern Athapaskan culture.