The Plains Indians

Importance of the Buffalo

-Every part of the buffalo was used by the Indians, except the heart which was left on the Plains as a gift to Wakan Tanka. -The Indians believed the buffalo heart gave new life to a herd. -Indians were nomads, they could not stay somewhere long enough to grow crops, the buffalo kept them alive in all seasons; meat was dried and turned into jerky to help them survive in the winter. -Women and children cut up the buffalo -The buffalo skins were used to make tipis.

How did Indians fight?

-In short raids with small groups of braves. -Warriors gained honour by 'counting coup'- this means touching the enemy with a hand or a stick. -Killing was rare. A few tribes scalped dead animals so their spirits could not fight in heaven. -Retreating, to stay alive for their families, was seen as a responsible action. They would refuse to fight if they could not win.

Importance of horses

-Indians could not live on the Plains without horses as they could not survive in the harsh weather without being nomadic. -Wealth and status was measured by how many horses an indian tribe had. -Horses made hunting buffalo easier and quicker. -Horses helped the Indians carry their belongings and follow the buffalo.

Why did Indians fight?

-To demonstrate skills, bravery and courage. -To protect hunting ground -For revenge or honour -To capture horses or weapons. -To help tribal unity -So that chiefs could test their power and position. -So that elders could test the youngers braves.

Religion

-Wakan Tankan was the Great spirit. All living creatures, animals, plants, humans etc. Were believed to have a spirit the Indians believed all things should live in harmony. -Land was seen as sacred, it could not be owned. -Visions were seen as guidance for everyday life, these were obtained through dreams or dances, a medicine man would advise the meaning behind them. -Land was seen as part of the circle of life. -Dances, like the sun dance, were performed to seek guidance from the spirits.

Indian culture: Family roles

A band saw every member of its family as being equally important to its survival. This helped them survive on the plains for a number of reasons: -Men hunted and fought meaning that the tribe had food and was protected, women made clothes, fed the family and looked after the tipi. -Everyone looked after the children who were taught the skills of their parents. -Elders were respected for their wisdom but were left behind on the Plains (exposure) if they threatened the bands survival by slowing them down.

Indian society: Tribes

Bands in the same tribe supported each other during crises. Tribal meetings of all the bands were held each year to arrange marriages, trade horses and discuss issues. Chiefs and elders formed the tribal councils that advised tribal chiefs. Some tribes, like the Sioux, were part of larger groups called nations.

Indian society: Chiefs and Councils

Chiefs were chosen because of their wisdom and skills as warriors/hunters. They were rarely chiefs for life. Chiefs and councils would decide where their bands would go and what should happen to those that broke with the custom and traditions. But they did not have to be obeyed.

Indian culture: Tipis

Every Indian family lived in a tipi, made of wooden poles and buffalo skins. Tipis helped plains Indians to survive on the plains for a number of reasons: -They were cone shaped, so could withstand the strong winds. -Tipis could be collapsed in 10 minutes so the band could follow the buffalo quickly. - The bottom could be rolled up in summer of packed with mud in winter meaning they were cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Indian society: Bands

Indians lived in groups known as bands. Each band has a chief and a council and was part of a tribe. Most people in a band were related to each other. Bands were led by chiefs and had councils or advisors. Council members agreed everything the tribe did. The survival and protection of the band as a whole was seen as more important than the individuals within it.

Fighting and War

Plains Indians had very different attitudes to war than Europeans. They did not fight to own land or to conquer/destroy other tribes. Bravery was about being responsible and staying alive to provide for your family, not about fighting against all odds.

The plains Indians

The Indians needed buffalo and horses to survive. Buffalos lived on the Plains. Horses had to be introduced by Spanish invaders. The Indians bred and traded horses, or even stole them.

Indian society: Warrior societies

The best warriors from each band formed its society. Members of the warrior societies supervised hunting and protected their bands from attack. All short wars and raids were led by the warrior society and the band's council would always consult them before they made a decisions.