Plains Indians: Society Flashcards
(17 cards)
what were the 3 things that made us a plain Indian society
Chief
Bands
Warrior brotherhoods
tribes
was there a system for choosing a chief, how were they chosen
- no single system
- valued for their wisdom, leadership and spiritual powers or for their skill as a warrior or hunter
did chiefs stay in that position for life
no - came and went as as their skills emerged and faded
who made up the tribe council
band chiefs + elders
how many chiefs did a tribe have
often had several chief : war chief, spiritual chief, chief who led negotiations with other tribes
how did tribes make decisions
No decision could be made until everyone at the council agreed to it
who would be consulted for important decisions
the tribe’s spiritual chief
how was everyone perceived within a band
every member seen as equal and important for survival
role of men + women
Men (braves) : hunted + fought enemies
Women (squaws) : made clothing, fed the family and looked after the tipi
what was the role of everyone within the brand
- looked after children + taught the skills of their parents
- everyone had equal status - all had specific roles essential for the survival of the tribe
what was held each year what was the purpose
Tribal meeting of all the bands - arrange marriages, trade horses , discuss issues
what were warrior brotherhoods
groups of young men who were renowned for their fighting skills and bravery
why were warrior brotherhood important
- trained young men in fighting skills
- taught young men about tribe’s beliefs and values
did the tribe have power over all
no - in many tribes the chiefs and tribe councils had no power to command all of their people. Bands ultimately made their own decisions.
who was no warrior brotherhood controlled by
not under command of the tribal council - did not have to respect the peace treaties
what were the leading men from the brotherhoods invited to join and what did they do
join a guard unit for the whole tribe:
- organised that tribe’s yearly buffalo hunt
- made sure the old + ill tribe members were fed
- chose where the tribe should gather to make camp
what was the role of women
- feeding + clothing families
- responsible for family possession
- processing buffalo hides+ meat , turning into products that could be traded
