The culture of the Native Americans of the Plains including a case study of the Lakota Sioux (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes

Prior to the Mormon migration, the Great Plains were seen as an uninhabitable region of harsh winds, dry desert and little water. By contrast, the Native American Indians of the region, who were nomadic hunters and well adapted to the conditions, regarded the Great Plains as a perfect environment.

The floor of a tipi was covered with fur and the fire was centrally positioned. With limited space, Indian families had strict rules for behaviour and movement inside their homes.

It was usually covered with 10 to 20 buffalo skins sewn together. During hot weather, the bottom rolled up, or in cold weather, it was covered with earth. Building and maintaining a tipi was women's work while men applied geometric decorations.

To make a cone shape, up to 20 poles are bound together at the top of the tipi

The poles are draped with buffalo skin

Traditional painted designs are decorated on the tipi

The entrance is faced east to protect against westerly winds

To fasten the tipi, wooden pins are used. The pins could be easily removed so that the tipi can be folded up during travel

The flap can be adjusted to keep in heat or air out of the inside of the tipi

Chiefs They are those with exemplary skills as warriors, as medicine men, and as spiritual leaders. Usually, they were elected by their tribe, not an heir to power.

The Council Usually composed of elders who were highly respected in their bands. They made important decisions related to war and punishment.

Warrior Societies All men in the band were part of this society and their opinions were considered with utmost importance.

One example is their belief of the Spirit World. Wakan Tanka or the Great Spirit was very significant to them, as he created the world and all life forms on Earth. They also believed that all living things had spirits and it had influence over their lives as a whole.

They also have different dances and ritual ceremonies which were ways for them to contact the spirit world. These included buffalo and scalp dances. The Sundance was the most famous when bands came together.

Another belief of theirs was the visions that helped them in their journey. This was another way for them to contact the spirits. Young men were asked to search for theirs through cleaning their body, praying and fasting. For women, they developed visions once they reached puberty.

Lastly, the Plains Indians had a different belief about land and it was one that was the most misunderstood and would later cause tension with the U.S. army. They believed that land was part of life itself and some of it was considered to be sacred. Land could not be owned by any individual.

Also called Isanti or Santee, they consisted of four bands from the east and were known as the "knife makers".

Also called Ihanktown, they were the smallest division consisting of only three bands also from the east. They were named the "keepers of the Sacred Pipestone".

Also called Tetonwan or Teton, they consisted of seven bands from the west. They are noted for their warrior culture and were major opponents during the Great Sioux Wars against the United States Army. They were known for being the "dwellers on the Plains".

Buffalo were hunted for living and survival. They were not farmed or bred. Before hunting, the Plains Indians performed several days of buffalo dance rituals by dressing like buffalo and copying their movements. This was done to help them hunt more buffalos along their journey.

The first horses were brought to America by the Spanish colonists during the 16th century. In 1640, the Pueblo Indians of Mexico captured these horses from the Spaniards and, later on, took care of them through breeding and trading with other Indian nations.

There are many reasons why Lakota Sioux engaged in warfare. Some reasons are the following:

Lakota Sioux also had a different fighting style and attitude: