Being Scioto Hopewell: Ritual Drama and Personhood in Cross-Cultural Perspective

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Focusing on the rich ceremonial lives of the Hopewell Indians, this two-volume work offers an innovative exploration of their cultural practices during the early centuries CE. The first volume introduces the concept of "ritual drama," analyzing 14 performances aimed at aiding the deceased's journey to the afterlife. The second volume critiques models of "personhood" and "self," revealing how the Hopewell's relational self-concept and belief in multiple soul-like essences fostered intercommunity alliances and cooperation, essential for constructing their monumental ceremonial centers.