Myths and Tales of the Chiricahua Apache Indians

by Opler, Morris Edward

• ISBN13: 9780803286023
• ISBN10: 0803286023
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-11-01
• Publisher: Univ of Nebraska Pr

Summary

"We are dealing here with a living literature," wrote Morris Edward Opler in his preface toMyths and Tales of the Chiricahua Apache Indians. First published in 1942 by the American Folk-Lore Society, this is another classic study by the author ofMyths and Tales of the Jicarilla Apache Indians. Opler conducted field work among the Chiricahuas in the American Southwest, as he had earlier among the Jicarillas. The result is a definitive collection of their myths. They range from an account of the world destroyed by water to descriptions of puberty rites and wonderful contests. The exploits of culture heroes involve the slaying of monsters and the assistance of Coyote. A large part of the book is devoted to the irrepressible Coyote, whose antics make cautionary tales for the young, tales that also allow harmless expression of the taboo. Other striking stories present supernatural beings and "foolish people."

Author Biography

Scott Rushforth introduces this volume, placing the Chiricahua Apaches in history and discussing the pioneering ethnography of Morris Edward Opler. Rushforth is an associate professor of anthropology at New Mexico State University and the author of Cultural Persistence: Continuity in Meaning and Moral Responsibility among the Bearlake Athapaskans.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Bison Book Edition	p. vii
Preface	p. xix
When the Earth Was New	p. 1
the Contest for Daylight	p. 23
the Coyote Cycle and Other Animal Bird, and Insect Tales	p. 28
Stories of Supernatural Beings And Encounters with Supernaturals	p. 74
Stories of Foolish People, Unfaithfulness, and Perversion	p. 84
Miscellaneous	p. 91
Appendix: Comparative Notes on Chiricahua Apache Mythology	p. 103
Bibliography	p. 112
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