Alice Marriott (historian)

Alice Marriott (1910-1992) was an American anthropologist and writer known for her work documenting the lives and cultures of Native American peoples, particularly the Kiowa, Pueblo, and Oklahoma Indians. She authored numerous books, both scholarly and popular, aimed at increasing understanding and appreciation of Native American traditions and experiences.

Marriott's approach often involved collaborative fieldwork, working closely with Native informants to gather firsthand accounts and perspectives. This methodology emphasized the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and representing Native voices accurately.

Key works by Alice Marriott include:

• The Ten Grandmothers (1945): A retelling of Kiowa history and traditions through the experiences of Kiowa women.
• Maria: The Potter of San Ildefonso (1948): A biography of Maria Martinez, the renowned Pueblo potter.
• Indians on Horseback (1948): A general overview of Plains Indian culture.
• Greener Fields: Experiences Among the American Indians (1953): An autobiographical account of her fieldwork experiences.

Marriott’s writing style was accessible, making her work popular with a wide audience. While her work has been praised for its sensitivity and cultural insights, some scholars have also noted the limitations of her perspective as an outsider and have called for a critical examination of her representations of Native cultures in light of contemporary understanding of indigenous perspectives and self-determination. Her contributions to the fields of anthropology and Native American studies remain significant, and her work continues to be read and studied.