Native performers in wild west shows : from Buffalo Bill to Euro Disney / Linda Scarangella McNenly.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McNenly, Linda Scarangella, 1970-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Indian cowboys--West (U.S.)--History.

Indian cowboys.

Circus performers--West (U.S.)--History.

Circus performers.

Wild west shows--West (U.S.)--History.

Wild west shows.

Indians in popular culture.

History.

Physical Description:

xviii, 254 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Norman, OK : University of Oklahoma Press, [2012]

Summary:

In this study of Native performers in Wild West shows in the US and around the world, author McNenly, who holds a PhD in anthropology, moves away from focusing on exploitation to show how Native performers actively engaged with white society while performing in Wild West shows. Through comparative case studies and interviews with current performers and descendants of past performers, McNenly explains the reasons that Native Americans chose work in such shows, looking at Native performers with the top Wild West shows of 1885-1930, three Mohawk families who performed in a variety of shows in the early 20th century, and contemporary Native performers in shows at Disneyland Paris and Buffalo Bill Days in Sheridan, Wyoming. The book draws on material from several different archives and includes b&w historical and contemporary photos. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Contents:

1 Where the Wild West Began: Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Bill, and the Miller Brothers 21

2 Working in Wild West Shows: Pursuing Opportunities 39

3 Performing in Wild West Shows: Representing and Experiencing Native Identity 70

4 Not the Only Show in Town: A Case Study of Mohawk Performers 100

5 An Encore Presentation: Euro Disney's Spectacular Wild West Show 140

6 Commemorating the Wild West in America: Western History, Native Identity 166.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-244) and index.

ISBN:

9780806142814

0806142812

OCLC:

775271563