BLACK ELK'S PRAYER & VISION

Black Elk Speaks, John G. Neihardt's classic book, relates the sweeping vision that the Holy Man Black Elk had in the 1800's for his Sioux nation. Black Elk's Prayer & Vision is largely based upon Neihardt's definitive work. Ed McGaa, known as Eagle Man, is a prolific author, a lawyer and contemporary historian for his Oglala Sioux tribe. In part one of this recording, McGaa recounts the biography of Black Elk--the vision he experienced in the 1870's while still a boy, his travels, his life as a warrior and medicine man, his reflections on the Ghost Dance religion and the infamous massacre at Wounded Knee. In part two, McGaa recalls Black Elk's vision and final prayer in its entirety. McGaa's compelling and impassioned narration brings rich, new meaning to such concepts as "the four directions," "the red and black roads," and "the sacred hoop." Throughout the recording McGaa includes trance-like chants--all sung in Lakota and translated into English--and accompanies himself on rattle and drum. C.S. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]