Publisher's Synopsis
The Dawn of the World is a book that explores the myths and tales of the Miwok Indians of California. Written by C. Hart Merriam, a renowned anthropologist and ethnographer, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the Miwok culture, religion, and worldviews. The book is divided into two sections. The first section provides an introduction to the Miwok people and their way of life. It discusses their history, geography, and cultural practices. The second section is a collection of myths and tales that have been passed down through generations of Miwok storytellers. The myths and tales in the book cover a wide range of topics, including creation stories, tales of heroes and tricksters, and stories of the supernatural. They offer insights into the Miwok belief system and their understanding of the world around them. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers interested in Native American culture and mythology. It is also accompanied by illustrations and photographs that further enhance the reader's understanding of the Miwok people and their traditions. Overall, The Dawn of the World is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history, culture, and mythology of the Miwok Indians of California. It provides a fascinating glimpse into a rich and complex culture that has been largely overlooked in mainstream American history.1910. The tales contained in this volume were told to Merriam by the Indians of a single stock, the Mewan, the tribes of which are confined to central California and have no known relatives in any part of the world. The myths are related by the old people after the first rains of the winter season, usually in the ceremonial roundhouse and always at night by the dim light of a small flickering fire. They constitute the religious history of the tribe, and from time immemorial have been handed down by word of mouth; from generation to generation they have been repeated, without loss and without addition. Some of the tales contained in this volume are: Why the Lizard Man did not restore Dead People to Life; The Coyote and the Lizard; The Creation of Man; How they got the Fire; The bear and the Fawns, as told by the Northern Mewuk; Why the Bodega Bay Indians can not stand Cold; and many more.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
