American West - Plains Indians
- Created by: issyh
- Created on: 27-02-17 17:23
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- Life on the Plains
- Role of Buffalo
- Crucial for Indians survival - used all parts of the buffalo (except heart which they left on the plains to give life to a new herd.
- Main source of food.
- Dung used as fuel.
- Hooves used to make glue.
- Bones used for tools, arrowheads, brushes etc.
- Skin used for clothing and tipi.
- Performed a buffalo dance before hunting.
- Quicker and easier on horseback.
- Crucial for Indians survival - used all parts of the buffalo (except heart which they left on the plains to give life to a new herd.
- Role of Horses
- Measure of wealth and status.
- Used during war.
- Carried the Indians and their belongings on journeys.
- Indian Society
- Lived in bands led by chiefs and councils of advisers.
- Chiefs were chosen because of their wisdom and skill as warriors / hunters.
- Chiefs and elders formed the councils that advised tribal chiefs.
- Tribes had bands within them - tribal meetings were held each year to arrange marriages and trade.
- Warrior societies were formed by the best warriors in each band - they supervised hunting and protected the band from attack.
- All short raids were led by them and they were consulted before decisions by the chief.
- Lived in bands led by chiefs and councils of advisers.
- Family Roles
- Everyone looked after the children, who were taught the skills of the parents and were highly vaued as the future of the tribe.
- White people thought Indian children were wild.
- Women (squaws) made clothing, fed the family and looked after the tipi.
- Men (braves) hunted and fought enemies.
- All members were equally important for survival.
- Elders were respected for their wisdom but left behind to die if they threatened the survival of the group.
- Everyone looked after the children, who were taught the skills of the parents and were highly vaued as the future of the tribe.
- Fighting and War
- Didn't fight to own land or to destroy other tribes.
- Bravery was about being responsible and staying alive to provide for your family.
- Indians fought for...
- To demonstrate skills, bravery and courage.
- Protect hunting ground.
- For revenge and honour.
- To capture horses or weapons.
- To help tribal unity - chiefs could test their power and position.
- Indians fought by...
- Short raids with small groups of 'braves'.
- 'CountingCoup' - performing feats such as touching an enemy with a hand or stick.
- Killing was rare. Few tribes scalped their enemies - so they couldn't go to heaven.
- Retreating was a responsible action - they could stay alive for their families.
- Didn't fight to own land or to destroy other tribes.
- Tipis
- Made of wooden poles and buffalo skins.
- Cone shaped - to protect against strong winds.
- Taken down easily - ideal for life on the move.
- Collapsed tipi could form a travois and be pulled by a horse.
- Bottom was rolled up in Summer to let air in and banked in winter to keep warm inside.
- Religion
- Great spirit Waken Taken created all.
- Circle of Nature (circle of life, the sun etc.)
- Land was sacred and couldn't be owned.
- Dead buried at Black Hills - tall and so close to spirit world - sacred.
- Sioux would fight to death to protect sacred land.
- Sioux would contact spirit world through visions.
- Visions occurred by starving and going into a sweat lodge.
- Medicine Man
- Used power of spirits to cure the sick, as well as herbal remedies.
- Were a part of every tribal decision.
- Role of Buffalo
- Family Roles
- Everyone looked after the children, who were taught the skills of the parents and were highly vaued as the future of the tribe.
- White people thought Indian children were wild.
- Women (squaws) made clothing, fed the family and looked after the tipi.
- Men (braves) hunted and fought enemies.
- All members were equally important for survival.
- Elders were respected for their wisdom but left behind to die if they threatened the survival of the group.
- Everyone looked after the children, who were taught the skills of the parents and were highly vaued as the future of the tribe.
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