This volume is one of a series of twenty-four from Time-Life Books that chronicles the history and culture of the Native Americans.  The Woman's Way opens with a photo essay entitled "A Place of Respect" that sets the tone for the entire book. Chapter one, "Sustainers of the People," discusses women in pre-contact and traditional societies. The text moves around the continent, beginning with the Powhatan, describing the lives of women from childhood on. Longer sections focus on Iroquois women and on those from Plains, Southwest, and California peoples. "Mother of Us All" illustrates the role of the female in most Native religions. Other photo essays cover housing, mourning and widowhood, warriors, the Old Woman's Society of the Blackfoot, the gathering of plants for food and healing, and Crow women elders who were honored by their people in 1994. "A Bridge Between Two Worlds" focuses on the critical part women played as cultural brokers between their own people and Euroamerican society. Finally, the story is brought into the 20th century with an affirming discussion of contemporary spiritual and cultural leaders. Taking a more personal focus that complements Rayna Green's Women in American Indian Society (Chelsea, 1992), this solid offering is enhanced by superb black-and-white and full-color photos throughout.

Contents

1
Sustainers of the People
18

2
A Bridge Between Two Worlds
82

3
Keepers of the Faith
124

* Essays *

A Place of Respect
6
   Mother of Us All
60
  The Female Domain
72
  Receiving Nature's Bounty
114
  Weaving Old Ways With New
166

* * *

Collect all 24 volumes to complete the entire series!