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Book Review: Unraveling the Spreading Cloth of Time: Indigenous Thoughts Concerning the Universe
AMAZON 5 STARS
April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014
Format: Paperback
“It
was not until the 20th Century that [Eurasian scientists and
philosophers] began to suspect something that the Indigenous peoples of
the Western Hemisphere have known all along. Everything is connected,”
Dean Hutchins explains in his essay “Deciphering the Great Mystery.”
This essay is part of the anthology Unraveling the Spreading Cloth of
Time: Indigenous Thoughts Concerning the Universe.
Editor MariJo Moore
says she sees “the universe as a great cloth… shawl... spreading and
spreading…unendingly into a circle that flows forever.” This anthology
explores the ways the interconnectedness of the universe, while a new
concept for Western thinkers, has long been a part of Indigenous
knowledge.
Moore and co-editor Trace A. DeMeyer (Hentz) have compiled an
eclectic collection of nonfiction and fiction: essays, poems, stories,
prayers, songs and memoir. For example, follow a concise history of
philosophical thought with Hutchins. Dance with Mary Black Bonnet in her
kitchen as she learns the Lakota flag song. Find out what the Milky Way
tastes like and what note black holes sing in from Kim Shuck. Hear a
Ketoowah traditional story and follow Denise Low as she discusses its
implications for modern day climate change survival. Read the best poem
that Doris Seale has written - yet. These are just a few of the
illuminative and creative pieces contained in this book. Each author
explores Indigenous knowledge about the interconnectedness of the
universe.
The anthology, dedicated to Moore’s mentor, Vine Deloria
Jr, honors him and carries forward his work on the subject of the
spiritual universe. It opens with the poem “Sing Your Song for Vine,” by
suzan shown harjo. In the essay included by Deloria, “Spiritual
Universe,” he examines some of the most significant Western thinkers and
how they reach “the opinion that the world we think of as solidly
physical is, in fact, a strange, indescribable “mind stuff” that
provides the foundation for everything.” Throughout the book it becomes
clear that there is a parallel between Europeans “discovering” an
America that was already populated with native peoples, and Western
scientists and philosophers just now “discovering” truths that native
peoples have known and told for a long time.
The authors of this book
don’t stop there, however.
Deloria says, “This belief, as we have
seen, is the starting point, not the conclusion. Assuming or intuiting
mind as the dominant entity, would not the tribal peoples’ questions
vary substantially from the questions asked by the Western
philosophers?” This anthology records and passes on knowledge, and at
the same time asks us to consider how we have and will continue to use
the knowledge we possess.
If the concept of Quantum Physics is
intimidating, don’t worry. The authors here guide the reader through the
subject matter in easy to understand language. Conversely, for the
reader versed in Quantum Physics, there are plenty of opportunities to
engage on a deeper level with the philosophical and spiritual
implications.
excerpt from Rapid River Arts & Culture magazine, Asheville, NC
excerpt from Rapid River Arts & Culture magazine, Asheville, NC
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