CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN BLACK ELK SPEAKS

Abstract

The research examines the issue of the cultural anthropology of Native Americans, which is embedded in the work Black Elk Speaks by Deloria and Neihardt (1979). It shows the multiplicities present in native Americans’ culture, and struggle for the survival of that culture. This is a literary study using qualitative paradigm of research as it is used to gain an appreciative of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. Sub-category is Ethnographic research in that it talks about the shared experiences of the peoples regarding their culture and ideologies.  The research talks about the lives of black people as how they live in past and in present era. “Black elk speaks” delineates their rituals and ceremonies such as their hunting process, war procedures, getting food from animals and their connection with the nature. The study covers the central event of history of Native Americans. Neihardt and Deloria (1979) show the importance of animals and nature in their lives. Hunting is the main part of their culture and for this purpose they use bison. After hunting, there are proper celebrations of making and preparing food. According to their views all the things take place in a circle. There is circle for moon and seasons. There tepees are also in the form of circles. The research also depicts the contrast between whites and blacks. Blacks live in round houses and whites in squared houses. Both of the nations have exclusively different cultures. In Black Elk Speaks (1979), Black Elk is a major character. He is telling the story of himself but it is not the story of Black Elk, it is the story of the whole Native American nation. In the past natives lived with peace and harmony. Their culture was far better than the white culture. Animal imagery is a key point in their culture. Their names are based on the names of the animals. Their visions are very strong. They have the ability to do predictions for the upcoming situations. The study will aim to provide an opportunity to study native American culture that is not as much as famous comparing to other American culture.