Book

An account of the history, manners, and customs, of the Indian nations: who once inhabited Pennsylvania and the neighboring states

Transactions of the Historical and Literary Committee of the American Philosophical Society1 • Published In 1819 • Pages: 348

By: Heckewelder, John Gottlieb Ernestus.

Abstract
The basic source on the Delaware, this paper was written by a missionary on the basis of thirty years of contact with the Indians. A considerable amount of the work is devoted to a consideration of relations between the Indians and the whites, the author attempting to show that the Indians were often not understood, and unfairly treated. Social and political structure, the life cycle, clothing, medicine, warfare, magic, cookery, and other aspects of Delaware life are described, the author omitting only religious ceremonies which he felt has been adequately covered by a previous work. Information is given on several other groups of eastern Indians, particularly the Iroquois.
Subjects
Traditional history
Historical reconstruction
Sociolinguistics
Diet
Oratory
Naming
Friendships
Community heads
External relations
Warfare
Aftermath of combat
Alcoholism and drug addiction
Shamans and psychotherapists
Medical personnel
Burial practices and funerals
Special burial practices and funerals
Transmission of cultural norms
Transmission of skills
culture
Delaware
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
North America
Sub Region
Eastern Woodlands
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Missionary
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
James R. Leary ; 1961
Field Date
ca. 1800
Coverage Date
1700 - ca. 1818
Coverage Place
eastern United States
Notes
John Heckewelder
LCCN
04011463
LCSH
Delaware Indians