The Sheep Eaters

"The Sheep Eaters" by William A. Allen is a story documenting the lost way of life for the Sheep Eater tribe, a branch of Shoshonean Indians carving out a living in the Wyoming and Montana mountains. Through descriptions and stories, the book reconstructs the tribe's habits, beliefs, and final days. The book lays out a detailed picture of the Sheep Eaters, starting with a summary of their story, then moves into the author's experiences as he meets the last member of the tribe: an old woman who shares the stories of her people. Her memories touch on the troubles the Sheep Eaters struggled with, their spiritual ceremonies, and a love story between two young members. Allen's writing aims to capture the spirit of this vanished community but also remembers their legacy, using facts and storytelling to create a feeling of loss for a culture now gone.