The Sixth Grandfather - Black Elk's Teachings Given to John Neihardt

Product Details

"The Sixth Grandfather: Black Elk's Teachings Given to John G. Neihardt" is a profound and scholarly work that presents the original transcripts of conversations between the Lakota holy man Black Elk and poet-ethnographer John G. Neihardt, recorded in 1931 and 1944. These interviews formed the foundation for Neihardt’s earlier, more poetic work, Black Elk Speaks ^[1][2].

Edited by anthropologist Raymond J. DeMallie, this edition offers a more complete and academically rigorous presentation of Black Elk’s teachings. It includes annotations, cultural context, and insights into Lakota philosophy, spirituality, and worldview. The title refers to Black Elk’s vision of himself as the “sixth grandfather,” a spiritual figure representing the Earth and humanity ^[3].

About the Contributors:

• Black Elk (1863–1950) was an Oglala Lakota medicine man and visionary. His teachings reflect a deep spiritual connection to the land, the sacred, and the traditions of his people.
• John G. Neihardt (1881–1973) was a poet and writer who became deeply interested in Native American spirituality. His work helped bring Black Elk’s voice to a wider audience, though often through a literary lens.
• Raymond J. DeMallie, the editor, is a respected anthropologist known for his expertise in Lakota culture. His work ensures the authenticity and scholarly integrity of the transcripts.

This book is considered essential reading for those interested in Native American spirituality, oral history, and cross-cultural understanding.

References
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Sixth-Grandfather-Black-Teachings-Neihardt/dp/0803265646
[2] https://archive.org/details/sixthgrandfather00neih
[3] https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/bison-books/9780803265646/the-sixth-grandfather/