3 Review(s)

The Religious Life of the Zuni Child by Matilda Coxe Stevenson offers an in-depth look at the spiritual upbringing of children in the Zuni tribe of New Mexico. Drawing from her firsthand observations, Stevenson details the rituals, beliefs, and practices that form the core of a Zuni child's religious education. The book explores how children are introduced to Zuni spirituality, with a strong focus on ceremonies, social roles, and the role of elders in transmitting religious knowledge.Stevenson’s work highlights the deeply embedded connection between religious life and daily existence in Zuni culture. Through detailed descriptions of initiation rites, festivals, and the transmission of sacred knowledge, she provides valuable insight into the Zuni worldview and the importance of religion in shaping the identity of young members of the community. The book remains an important ethnographic study of Native American childhood and religious traditions.