Zuni Coyote Tales

By Frank Hamilton Cushing

Book Overview

Coyote tales are among the best loved in Native American folklore, and those recorded by anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing at the end of the nineteenth century have well survived the test of time. This collection of authentic stories extracted from his classic Zuñi Folk Tales offers modern readers of all ages a new appreciation of magic and myth as celebrated by the Zuñi Indians of western New Mexico. These tales pit the wily Coyote against various demons and other creatures in order to convey simple lessons or explain animal characteristics or behavior. They tell how the tip of the coyote's tail became black after dancing with blackbirds and how coyotes learned never to insult horned-toads--and to keep clear of burrowing-owls. Through these tales, we learn why Coyote meddles with everything that does not concern him, makes a universal nuisance of himself, and is ready to jump into any trap laid for him.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816518920
• ISBN13: 9780816518920
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.7" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

The nature of Coyote revealed

This is a collection compiled by Frank Hamilton Cushing. Cushing (1857-1900) lived with the Zuñi and collected many stories that are part of their myths and way of thinking. "Zuñi Coyote Tales" is a selection from His larger collection "Zuñi Folk Tales". Each tail pits the Coyote against a different critter or deity. As the story progresses we get a better understanding of Coyote and a lesson learned. Even thought this is a standalone book it is more dynamic if you know something of the Zuñi culture and history. A reoccurring theme is that Coyote is very a very nosy trickster and it is best to keep your nose to your self. A note for the squeamish, as with many folk tails some parts are painfully violent.