Fossil Legends of the First Americans

The Hell Creek badlands in Montana are a vast graveyard of Cretaceous dinosaurs, home to the Sioux, Crows, and Blackfeet. This book explores how Native Americans observed and interpreted the fossils of extinct creatures, passing down insights and creation stories that anticipated modern scientific theories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The Hell Creek badlands in Montana stand as a vast graveyard, a testament to the Cretaceous dinosaurs that roamed the Earth 68 million years ago. These hills, which would later become the home of the Sioux, Crows, and Blackfeet, were the first human beings to encounter the fossilized remains of these colossal creatures, left exposed by the forces of nature. What did the Native Americans make of these stone skeletons, and how did they explain the awe-inspiring teeth and claws of these animals, which had never been witnessed alive? Did they engage in speculation about the causes of these creatures' deaths? Did they embark on the collection of fossils?

This captivating book, adorned with stunning illustrations and written with elegance, takes us on a journey from the East, where Ice Age monsters roamed, to the West, where dinosaurs thrived and perished. It explores the remarkable discoveries of enormous bones and the diverse uses of fossils for medicine, hunting magic, and spells. Even before the arrival of Columbus, Native Americans were keen observers of the enigmatic petrified remnants of extinct creatures, driven by a deep desire to understand their transformation into stone. Through insightful creation stories, they visualized the remains of extinct mammoths, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine creatures as Monster Bears, Giant Lizards, Thunder Birds, and Water Monsters. Their insights, some of which are remarkably sophisticated and foreshadow modern scientific theories, were passed down through oral histories over countless generations.

In Fossil Legends of the First Americans, author Adrienne Mayor delves into the rich tapestry of historical sources, archaeology, traditional accounts, and extensive personal interviews. She takes us on a journey from the Aztec and Inca fossil tales to the traditions of the Iroquois, Navajos, Apaches, Cheyennes, and Pawnees. This book represents a significant milestone in our understanding of how humans made sense of fossils before the development of evolutionary theory. It sheds light on the diverse ways in which Native Americans interpreted these ancient remnants, providing valuable insights into their worldviews, beliefs, and cultural practices.

Through the stories and insights shared in Fossil Legends of the First Americans, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and the profound connection between humans and the natural world. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and studying these fossils, as they continue to unlock the mysteries of our past and shed light on the evolution of life on Earth.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 134 x 204 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691245614