One of the most romanticized and misunderstood people and eras is that of the Plains Indian prior to the arrival of the white man. The noble savage and the bloodthirsty barbarian are but two of the more widely known stereotypes of the Plains Indian, portrayed often and pervasively by TV and movies.
William Higbie has written a story for young people to help dispel those images. In his simply told story, it becomes clear that the people of the pre-1800 American Plains dealt with the same human condition as we do, although their lifestyle was in many ways far different than ours.
The story centers around Bull Calf, a young man of thirteen, who faces leaving his childhood behind and moving into the adult society in which he lives. His quest for manhood is the theme of this story, woven into a well-researched and accurate background of Plains Indian life.
Bull Calf's story begins, symbolically, with the birth of his sister, and the death of his mother. As he leaves behind his boyhood, he moves into a new life, complete with a new name and identity. It is as if he is reborn, separated from his past in many ways.
After seeking his own personal vision in which the otter appears to him and becomes his own source of strength, Bull Calf becomes Otter Circle. In western Native American belief, the otter is a powerful and symbolic animal, which Otter Circle would be expected to safeguard in turn. He wears a charm of otter fur for protection, as well as for a reminder of his personal power source. Higbie describes very accurately within the narrative, the process of initiation through which young Native American males passed.
Once he has obtained his own vision, Otter Circle is able to join in the tasks of manhood. The first is to join his father, who seeks a new wife, in a horse raid on a nearby village. Some of the horses gained in this dangerous mission will be used as a gift to obtain Otter Circle's new mother from her father.
Otter Circle faces danger, and is saved by a friend who becomes his "brother" by so doing. Not so fortunate is Two Eagles, a young bully who rashly tries to prove his manhood by a daring deed and does not return from the raid, his fate unknown. This incident points up the strong belief in Native American culture that placed the good of the community above self-importance.
The feelings and fears of Otter Circle as he leaves his childhood behind are common to all young people, despite the differences in societies. Moving from one phase of life to another can be difficult, and young people will identify with the issues with which Otter Circle deals.
Higbie's first book is a well-written story for young people which contains 26 pen and ink illustrations that provide an accurate and authentic imagery to accompany the prose.
In a straight-forward, enjoyable style, Higbie's book is an excellent introduction to Plains Indian life that leaves behind the myths and stereotypes. Both adults and young people of both sexes will enjoy this book. It will make an excellent addition to the library of anyone who would like an interesting, factual portrayal of the life of the Native American of the Plains prior to the arrival of the white man.
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