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The Sioux Tribe (Religion (Different ways to contact spirit world - men…
The Sioux Tribe
Religion
Believed that everything in the world had a spirit, and if you prayed to them, the spirits would guide you
Believed in one great spirit, Wakan Tanka
Life worked in circles, many of their things based on circles (tipi, shields, etc). Circles symbolised life and the world
Land was a part of life and could not be owned by anyone - land was like their mother. Higher places were more sacred (Black Hills) because they were closer to spirit world. This aspect of Indian life was the most misunderstood, lead to conflict
Different ways to contact spirit world - men would pray and fast to receive vision and their adult name. Women had better spiritual powers, developed in puberty. Dances and ceremonies to contact spirit world
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Who?
In the 1840s, the Great Plains were mainly inhabited by the Native Americans. The Sioux were one of these tribes
Horses were used for transport, carrying a travois (sledge). However, the buffalo was the most important, and they had a use for almost every single part of it
Uses of the buffalo included tanned hide for many everyday objects, the tongue as a hairbrush and a delicacy, and bones for weapons and tools.
Daily Life and Society
Adapted to problems of Plains: Lack of wood (not much wood needed, reused), Strong winds (conical tipis), Extreme temperatures (rolled up tipis, Black Hills in winter). They lived a nomadic lifestyle, easily movable tipis
Polygamy was practised to make sure all women were cared for and to have as many children as they could. Exposure was where the old and sick would be left behind as to not slow down or be a burden to their tribe
Tribes split into bands, band had chief and council of elders. Chiefs not elected, didn't inherit power, chosen based on wisdom, spiritual power, and skill as warrior. Councils were listened to, but their advice did not have to be followed
War
Main reasons they went to war include rivalry for hunting and living space, rivalries between tribes, prove bravery, capture horses or weapons and to increase standing in tribe
They were warlike because the wore feathers to show warfare success, took scalps to show as evidence of success and they fought to prove bravery and for personal glory
They weren't warlike because counting coup was touching an enemy instead of killing (considered braver), casualties were low and they were fighting to test their spiritual power