Preserving The Sacred

The Midewiwin is the traditional religious belief system central to the world view of Ojibwa in Canada and the US. It is a highly complex and rich series of sacred teachings and narratives whose preservation enabled the Ojibwa to withstand severe challenges to their entire social fabric throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains an important living and spiritual tradition for many Aboriginal people today.The rituals of the Midewiwin were observed by many 19th century Euro-Americans, most of whom approached these ceremonies with hostility and suspicion. As a result, although there were many accounts of the Midewiwin published in the 19th century, they were often riddled with misinterpretations and inaccuracies.Historian Michael Angel compares the early texts written about the Midewiwin, and identifies major, common misconceptions in these accounts. In his explanation of the historical role played by the Midewiwin, he provides alternative viewpoints and explanations of the significance of the ceremonies, while respecting the sacred and symbolic nature of the Midewiwin rituals, songs, and scrolls.

The sacred secretion is a common title given to the naturally occurring, insoluble fluid that manifests in the human brain. When preserved, the body is able to use biochemical reactions to convert this substance alchemically into an awareness-enhancing compound. This text explores the vast literature available in an effort to describe and advise on the process of preserving the sacred secretion. This book is for anybody who has tried other spiritual practices but is yet to feel the full connection with God Part 1 of The Art of Preservation concerns itself with the key pillars of health and understanding that will enhance one's comprehension of the Christos oil. Part 2 then brings the teachings from Part 1 together in an effort to explain the purpose of and evidence for the advocation of raiding the Christ [seed] within. Part 3, finally, provides a context for preservation and a starting point for anybody who is beginning the sacred journey. NOTE: If you purchase this book then you will not need to get 'The Science of the Sacred Secretion' as The Art of Preservation covers all of the contents from this more thoroughly.

The issues of returning human remains, curating sacred objects, and preserving tribal traditions are addressed to provide the reader with a full picture of Native Americans' struggle to keep their heritage alive."--BOOK JACKET.

The first collection of essays on public history in the American West.

Preserving What Is Valued explores the concept of preserving heritage. It presents the conservation profession's code of ethics and discusses four significant contexts embedded in museum conservation practice: science, professionalization, museum practice, and the relationship between museums and First Nations peoples. Museum practice regarding handling and preservation of objects has been largely taken as a given, and it can be difficult to see how these activities are politicized. Clavir argues that museum practices are historically grounded and represent values that are not necessarily held by the originators of the objects. She first focuses on conservation and explains the principles and methods conservators practise. She then discusses First Nations people's perspectives on preservation, quoting extensively from interviews done throughout British Columbia, and comparing the British Columbia situation with that in New Zealand. In the face of cultural repatriation issues, museums are attempting to become more culturally sensitive to the original owners of objects, forming new understandings of the "right ways" of storage and handling of materials. Miriam Clavir's work is important for museum professionals, conservators, those working with First Nations collections in auction houses and galleries, as well as students of sociology and anthropology.

This volume focuses on the question of how people might see and understand the natural and built environments in a deeper, more perceptive way. Why are places important to people, and can designers and policy-makers create better places? Contributors include architects, philosophers and architects.