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Fossil Legends of the First Americans

Name: Fossil Legends of the First Americans
Price: 37.50 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (47 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Archaeology - Fossil Legends of the First Americans

$37.50

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Book Synopsis: The burnt-red badlands of Montana's Hell Creek are a vast graveyard of the Cretaceous dinosaurs that lived 68 million years ago. Those hills were, much later, also home to the Sioux, the Crows, and the Blackfeet, the first people to encounter the dinosaur fossils exposed by the elements. What did Native Americans make of these stone skeletons, and how did they explain the teeth and claws of gargantuan animals no one had seen alive? Did they speculate about their deaths? Did they collect fossils?

Beginning in the East, with its Ice Age monsters, and ending in the West, where dinosaurs lived and died, this richly illustrated and elegantly written book examines the discoveries of enormous bones and uses of fossils for medicine, hunting magic, and spells. Well before Columbus, Native Americans observed the mysterious petrified remains of extinct creatures and sought to understand their transformation to stone. In perceptive 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 so sophisticated that they anticipate modern scientific theories, were passed down in oral histories over many centuries.

Drawing on historical sources, archaeology, traditional accounts, and extensive personal interviews, Adrienne Mayor takes us from Aztec and Inca fossil tales to the traditions of the Iroquois, Navajos, Apaches, Cheyennes, and Pawnees. Fossil Legends of the First Americans represents a major step forward in our understanding of how humans made sense of fossils before evolutionary theory developed.

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Discover the untold stories of the Native Americans and the fascinating world of dinosaurs with the captivating book, Fossil Legends of the First Americans. Journey through time as you explore the burnt-red badlands of Montana's Hell Creek, where the Sioux, Crows, and Blackfeet encountered the ancient dinosaur fossils. Uncover the mysteries of these stone skeletons and learn how Native Americans perceived these enormous creatures that roamed the Earth 68 million years ago.

Immerse yourself in the richly illustrated pages of this extraordinary book as it takes you on a journey from the East, where Ice Age monsters thrived, to the West, where dinosaurs lived and perished. Delve into the Native American traditions, where fossils were not just remnants of bygone eras, but held significant meanings in medicine, hunting magic, and spells. Witness the depth of their knowledge and wisdom as they visualized these fossils as powerful beings - Monster Bears, Giant Lizards, Thunder Birds, and Water Monsters.

By exploring historical sources, archaeological findings, and traditional accounts, Fossil Legends of the First Americans provides a unique understanding of how ancient civilizations perceived fossils before the advent of evolutionary theory. This captivating book is a testament to the sophistication and foresight of Native American cultures.

Embark on an enlightening journey through time and culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the connection between humans and the ancient giants that once roamed our planet. Experience the wisdom passed down through generations, as Adrienne Mayor weaves together fascinating tales from Aztec and Inca legends to the traditions of the Iroquois, Navajos, Apaches, Cheyennes, and Pawnees. Expand your knowledge and appreciation for both Native American history and the wonders of the natural world.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Fossil Legends of the First Americans. Order now and let this book transport you to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and Native Americans sought to understand their ancient secrets.

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