Great Plains Indians

Plains Indians

The Plains Indians included tribes such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet, Comanche, Pawnee, and as can be seen on the map below, many more. These tribes lived in the Great Plains region of North America. These tribes were primarily nomadic, which means they moved from place to place, and followed the herds of buffalo. The buffalo was their primary resource for not only food but also for shelter and clothing.

No part of the buffalo went to waste. The meat was either roasted or boiled for eating. What was not eaten immediately was dried so it would last. The hide was used for clothing and shelter. The shelter made from it was called a Teepee. The horns were used as spoons, cups, and toys. Even the bones were used as tools and weapons. The tail was used as a fly brush or whip. The stomach and intestines were cleaned and then used to carry water.

Customs and Practices

The Plains Indians believed in many gods. They believed the gods showed themselves in the form of the sun, moon, stars, and anything that was strong or strange, such as an animal, person, or even an odd-shaped stone. Powwows were one of the Plains Indian ceremonies. A powwow was a celebration or prayer to the Great Spirit. Native American groups still hold Powwows today. There is a famous one held each year in Xenia, Ohio.

Another important Plains ceremony was called the Sun Dance. The Sun Dance took place in the summer months. It was a ceremony of celebration. The Sun Dance lasted around four days. During this time dancers performed the same exact movements and had nothing to eat or drink. They lifted their eyes to the sun for as long as they could endure it. Some men would pierce their chests with wooden skewers. Another important dance was the Ghost Dance. This was a dance performed nightly in which the Indians believed that they could speak to the gods and their ancestors.