Associations and Ceremonies of the Menomini Indians
The chief function of most Menomini associations is dancing, always with a religious motive, but, while there are no purely social clubs, per se, there is always great social activity during the performance of the public rites of the dreamers. At such times members and non-members gather for miles at the ceremonial ground, and social dances, gambling, and visits fill up the time between performances.
Art lovers often tend to destroy what they most admire. How many masterpieces have lost all meaning and power after being exposed to uninformed admiration and popularity? Many instances will come to mind. But fortunately this coin has two sides. Sometimes this passion for art of which I am complaining can help to reveal a new area by focusing attention on objects vanishing unnoticed by the outside world. This is exactly what has happened to the Yao Taoist paintings during the past four years.
The amazing accomplishments of the ancient Maya as well as the Maya currently living in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula are highlighted in this collection of 25 creative, educational, hands-on projects. Covering everything from the 20-base numbering system to the Maya's extensive trade relationships, kids learn about appeasing the gods with a "jade" ceremonial mask, language development with a screen-fold book for drawings and hieroglyphs, and Maya astronomy with a sand art picture of the cosmos.
