First Americans and Their Gods (Part 1)

Year Published: 1969

Creator: Julian Bryan

Complete Record: This animated program deals with the customs of pre-Columbian Indians of North and South America, showing how their diverse religious beliefs and myths reflect an understanding of the interdependence between man and nature. It covers the earliest migrations of prehistoric hunters from Asia to the Americas and the establishment of agriculture in Mexico, and profiles the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and tribes of the Southeast. Animated by Philip Stapp. Narrated by Norman Rose. The preface of this film describes the earliest migration of prehistoric hunters from Asia and proceeds to show how in Mexico, with the establishment of agriculture and the dependence of tribes on the fertility of crops, gods were worshipped and appeased.