article

The Peyote cult of the Delaware Indians

Texas Journal of Science • VII (1) • Published In 1956 • Pages: 202-211

By: Newcomb, William W..

Abstract

In this study the author describes in detail a typical peyote ceremony of the Delaware (Big Moon ceremony), which he and his wife attended in the summer of 1952, and discusses some of the changes which have occurred in the cult since 1930 when Petrullo made his study of Delaware peyotism. These differences are summarized in Table 1, p. 209. From his analysis, the author finds that in the physical arrangement of the ceremonial tepee and the conduct of the Big Moon ceremony itself, there have been few changes since 1930. In addition he notes that this Big Moon peyote cult has not completely replaced the traditional forms of religion in the society, nor has it become popular in this twenty-two year period, but instead has functioned as an 'Indian' ceremony and what he calls a '… rallying point for Pan-Indianism.'

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

North America

Sub Region

Eastern Woodlands

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1964

Field Date

1952

Coverage Date

1930-1952

Coverage Place

Towns of Dewey and Anadarko, Oklahoma, United States

Notes

William W. Newcomb, Jr.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 211)

LCCN

52043795

LCSH

Delaware Indians