35 pages • 1 hour read
Keith H. BassoWisdom Sits in Places
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Wisdom Sits in Places by Keith H. Basso examines the critical role of place-names in the culture and language of the Western Apache through four essays, each featuring different members of the Cibecue community in Arizona. By exploring their traditions of place-making, historical storytelling, "speaking with names," and how these practices contribute to wisdom and social conduct, Basso argues for the importance of understanding cultural worldviews through their connection to the landscape. The book discusses themes of cultural continuity and change, particularly regarding the younger generation's engagement with traditional wisdom practices.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Keith H. Basso's Wisdom Sits in Places has been praised for its insightful exploration of the Western Apache's relationship with their landscape, combining ethnography and narrative eloquence. Readers appreciate its depth and evocative storytelling. However, some critique it for academic density, making it less accessible to general audiences. Overall, the book is a profound cultural study.
Who Should Read Wisdom Sits in Places?
Readers who enjoy Wisdom Sits in Places by Keith H. Basso are often those interested in cultural anthropology, Indigenous studies, and the interplay between language and landscape. Comparable works include Clifford Geertz's The Interpretation of Cultures and Wade Davis's The Wayfinders, focusing on ethnographic narratives and cultural preservation.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1360L