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the plains indians - social structure - Coggle Diagram
the plains indians - social structure
bands
sub-groups in a tribe
roughly 30-200 people in it
150 is called Dunbar's number. it is thought to be the maximum number of people that can exist in a coherent, functioning sub-group. it would make sense if the bands had roughly 150 people in them.
within each band, there was a chief that ruled the band. the chief would consult the band's council when making decisions.
the most important thing for a band was survival. you had to act for the good of the band, rather than for yourself.
chiefs
the most popular, most powerful and most successful members of a band were elected as the band's chief.
prestige and power in American west society were usually earned through hunting or fighting powers.
chiefs would make the final decisions for the band - usually focusing on where they should move to and where they should set up camp.
tribes and councils
lots of bands would be in the same tribe
the most famous plains indians tribes are the Apache, cheyenne, osage nation, sioux and the blackfoot tribes.
tribes would arrange an annual meeting to meet with the chiefs and elders from all the different bands.
elders were wise people who transmitted culture and values in plains indians societies.
the different bands in the Sioux tribe would all help each other. the different bands in the Apache tribe would all help each other, and so on.
warrior society
the best hunters and fighters from a band would be put in a group called the 'warrior society'
the warrior society was in charge of defence against attacks and hunting.
the warrior society was important and would have influence over the band's chief and council.