essay

The role of dreams in Ojibwa culture

Contributions to anthropology : selected papers of A. Irving Hallowell • Chicago • Published In 1976 • Pages: 449-474

By: Hallowell, A. Irving (Alfred Irving).

Abstract

In this article Hallowell discusses Ojibwa worldview (see also document no. 77) and dreaming. The Ojibwa believe that a good life, free from hunger, disease, and misfortune is dependent on the blessing of powerful 'other-than-human' persons. Ojibwa males seek this blessing in a dream fast. In one boy's dream an other-than-human person appeared to him in human form and then changed into a golden eagle. The boy then perceived himself changing into an eagle, flying off with the other eagle. In Ojibwa worldview, outward forms are unstable and only the vital core of humans and other-than-humans is constant. Hallowell argues that such dreams instill moral responsibility, self-discipline, and personal security, which are necessary for a hunting way of life.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

North America

Sub Region

Arctic and Subarctic

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnographer

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1998

Field Date

1930-1940

Coverage Date

1930-1940

Coverage Place

Berens River, Manitoba, Canada

Notes

[A. Irving Hallowell]

Includes bibliographical references (p. 472-474)

LCCN

75020890

LCSH

Ojibwa Indians