article
Big stone foundations: manifest meaning in Chipewyan myths
Journal of American culture • 8 (1) • Published In 1985 • Pages: 73-77
By: Smith, David Merrill.
Abstract
In this article, Smith examines the cultural significance of Chipewyan myths. He argues that "Myths are not icing on the cake of culture but are integral parts of viable human cultures." Furthermore, one does not have to delve too deeply to uncover their meaning, as Western scholars are tempted to do in their analyses. For example he recounts two myths that express an anxiety over getting enough food to eat and the need to share food and respect others. The meaning here is all to real for a people who have experienced recurrent hunger and starvation, and need to depend on the generosity of others.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Arctic and Subarctic
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 1999
- Field Date
- 1968-1972
- Coverage Date
- 1968-1972
- Coverage Place
- Northwest Territories, Canada
- Notes
- David M. Smith
- Includes bibliographical references (p.77)
- LCCN
- 79642570
- LCSH
- Chipewyan Indians