# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Blackfoot Tribe: Facts, Clothes, Food and History ***

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out this site for interesting facts and the lifestyle the Blackfoot tribe. Food, clothing, homes, weapons, chiefs and culture of the Blackfoot. Interesting facts about the Blackfoot nation of the Great Plains.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Blackfoot Tribe: Facts, Clothes, Food and History ***

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out this site for interesting facts and the lifestyle the Blackfoot tribe. Food, clothing, homes, weapons, chiefs and culture of the Blackfoot. Interesting facts about the Blackfoot nation of the Great Plains.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Arrowheads are found in many sizes, shapes, materials and colors’ based on the culture. The typical arrowhead is strong and not brittle so that it can puncture the targets skin.

# data[].attributes.body
Many kids enjoyed playing the hoop game. This is a less modern version of bow and arrow. The children would throw a spear through a hoop stringed with yarn used for targets.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
. Blackfoot men usually hunted the buffalo by driving them off cliffs or stalking them with bow and arrow. As they acquired horses, the Blackfoot tribe began to pursue the buffalo by moving their camp to follow the buffalo migration habits.

The Blackfoot staple food was buffalo. They developed a complex society based upon the buffalo. >meat = food. Skin=clothing, tepee covers. Bones= needles, utensils. Horns= spoons. Rawhide= bags.In addition to buffalo meat, the Blackfoot Indians also ate small game like squirrels, nuts and berries.

The tribe heavily relied on a piece of equipment called the travois for the movement of their belongings. Especially to move the buffalos after they have been captured and killed.

- Picture of a horse pulling a travois. Before horses dogs were responsible for the task of pulling the travois.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blackfoot men usually hunted the buffalo by driving them off cliffs or stalking them with bow and arrow. As they acquired horses, the Blackfoot tribe began to pursue the buffalo by moving their...

# data[].attributes.body
The Blackfoot Tribe often hunted things like buffalo, deer, elk, and mountain sheep. Because of this red meat was a main part of their diet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Blackfoot music originates from the Native American tribes that constitute the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Siksika, the Kainai, the Northern Piegan, and the Southern Piegans. It is also known as nitsínixki, which translates to "I sing" in the Blackfoot language. Nitsínixki has only vocals and percussion, with few other instruments. Music with vocals only is also incredibly rare, as it is not considered appropriate to sing without having accompanying percussion.

Types of percussion include drums (istókimatsis), rattles (auaná), and bells. Bells are often attached to the drum or a dancer, instead of being separate instruments. The use of rattles has died down recently, but they still play a large part in the history of Blackfoot music. The beat of the drum is generally rhythmically independent to the vocals.

The Blackfoot tradition treats songs like objects, because though they might have many different parts, they come together as one whole. Therefore, songs can belong to a person, may be given or even sold. Some songs belong to all Blackfoot people, like folk music and ritual music. Songs do not generally contain lyrsics, and instead consist of vocables, which are sounds that have a meaning depending on the culture from which it originates, such as noises of assent, like "mhmmmm". When the songs do have lyrics, they are short and very repetitive, usually conveying one, very basic message. In Blackfoot culture, songs with words, which are the norm in European American and African American songs, are considered to have less meaning, because combining words with music makes both of them mean less.

Commonly, Blackfoot songs are performed by a solo singer, however group singing has become more common in recent years. In group singing, it is not required that the singers blend their vocals, meaning that the singers can raise and lower the pitches as they see fit. Songs are divided into "genres" by gender, though many women's songs have been lost over the passage of time.

Blackfoot music is based generally on anhemitonic tetratonic, pentatonic, and sometimes hexatonic scales. Septatonic scales are very rarely seen. Intervals are evenly spaced, though sometimes major/minor second modulation occurs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blackfoot music originates from the Native American tribes that constitute the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Siksika, the Kainai, the Northern Piegan, and the Southern Piegans. It is also known...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Blackfoot Political Organization | Native American Netroots

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When the European nations began their invasion of the Americas, they assumed that there was only one natural way for a people to be governed: a monarchy. Since

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Article History

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blackfoot, also called Blackfeet, North American Indian tribe composed of three closely related bands, the Piegan (officially spelled Peigan in Canada), or Piikuni; the Blood, or Kainah (also spelled Kainai, or Akainiwa); and the Siksika, or Blackfoot proper (often referred to as the Northern Black…

# data[].attributes.body
This was a very common outdoors game for the Blackfeet children. The game consisted of throwing rocks and beanbags at the sticks to make them fall over (jump). They would then keep track of their points.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To obtain the sticks for the playing of this game, the Blackfeet cut a willow switch in the woods in spring. When a switch is cut, the plant much be honored or thanked. A gift, such as a small piece of food or tobacco, is placed in the ground near the plant.

This is a game for playing outdoors. Players develop hand-eye coordination as they throw handmade balls, bean bags, or rocks at the sticks to knock them over ("make them jump"). This is a game that is helpful for learning to hunt birds or small game. Young players will also be practicing their mental addition skills as they keep track of their points.

The game is usually played with five sticks, but this can be modified to three or four sticks. Sticks are decorated with beads and feathers.

At the start of the game, the sticks are put in the ground point side down, and up to six feet apart, all in a line stretching away from the point from which the players will be throwing.Each stick will have one or more rings carved in it, as a remind of the number of points it is worth if it is knocked over. The nearest stick will have one ring cut into its bark. The next farthest out will have two rings, and so on. The objective will be to knock down the sticks in a row, from lowest to highest points. The first stick gives one point, the second gives two points, and so on. One cannot knock down the third stick before the second stick is knocked down, or the fourth stick before the third, or the fifth stick before the fourth is knocked down.

Players may play as individuals in competition with one another, or there can be two teams. Players will agree upon the winning number of points prior to the start of the competition. Players will also agree upon the number of bean bags or rocks they can use before it is the other team's turn to have a go at it.

To increase safety when playing with children, do not use rocks for throwing at the sticks, and have an adult handle the pointed sticks that are being inserted into the ground.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To obtain the sticks for the playing of this game, the Blackfeet cut a willow switch in the woods in spring. When a switch is cut, the plant much be honored or thanked. A gift, such as a small piece of food or tobacco, is placed in the ground near the plant.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Blackfeet are a tribe of Native Americans who currently live in Montana and Alberta. They lived northwest of the Great Lakes and came to participate in Plains Indian culture.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Lazy Stitch Beading Instructions

About Lazy Stitch:

Native Americans of the Plains commonly use Lazy Stitch to create beaded designs on clothing and accessories. Instead of creating a Loomwork Strip that you later attach to the item, with Lazy Stitch you sew the beads directly to the fabric or leather. The design should be drawn to actual finished scale on a piece of paper then traced onto the work surface. Designs that are going to appear on opposite sides of an item should be reversed for a mirrored effect. For example, on a vest, the design should appear as a mirror image on each side.

You can also bead directly onto a leather strip which you can later attach to your item. This technique allows for the creation of beaded designs that you can add to Blankets or Buffalo Robes, Leggings, Leather Shirts, Pipe Bags and other bags, and Wrist Cuffs.

Getting Started:

Lazy Stitch designs are created in rows. You will fill each row with a short strand of beads. Crafters use between 5 and 9 beads per section. To begin, sketch your design on bead graph paper. Using an odd number of beads and rows will provide a clear center point for your design. Transfer your design to the fabric or leather, marking each row that you will fill in.

Thread the needle with about 2 feet of thread. Tie a knot in the end. From the back of the material, insert your needle so it comes up through the line you have drawn to mark your design. Pull the thread through until the knot stops.

Add the beads for the section you are starting. Insert your needle on the line and pull it until the row of beads is tight. (Fig. A). Bring your needle back up immediately next to the row you just stitched, and repeat the stitch in the other direction (Fig. B).

Continue to fill in your pattern this way, remembering to change bead colors as necessary. If you are creating a strip that is interspersed with rosettes (as is commonly seen with Blanket Strips), you will bead or attach the rosettes first, then add the beaded design as close to the rosette as possible.

Fill in the gaps between the strip and the rosette with appropriately colored beads.

Note: A blanket strip usually has four rosettes. Here are some typical designs.

Here are some examples of items you can decorate with Lazy Stitch:

Find the Supplies you need for your own Lazy Stitch project at The Wandering Bull, LLC!

Watch Chris's video on how to bead using Lazy Stitch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn How to do Lazy Stitch Beadwork to create beaded designs on clothing and accessories! Find supplies and instructions at WanderingBull.com!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Beadwork is one of the most admired and traditional Native American art forms. Native American beadwork is sought-after for its often-vibrant colors, detailed designs, and beautiful patterns. You can find it in everything from jewelry and clothing to handbags and shoes.

The rich history of this American Indian art medium dates back to early tribes, who were weaving beaded designs before Europeans even arrived. Since its early form, beadwork has evolved significantly while still maintaining notoriety and popularity throughout North America and beyond. Let's take a closer look at that progression to gain a better appreciation of authentic Native American beadwork.

Ornamental beadwork has always had an important place in Native American culture.

Beadwork began as a way for Native Americans to express themselves artistically that was compatible with their nomadic lifestyle. Patterns and designs were woven onto practical items, such as clothing, leather goods, horse tack, and jewelry, that could be easily packed up and moved. Distinctive beadwork styles were developed by individual native tribes.

Early beadwork was accomplished by carving natural materials into beads.

Native American bead artists used to be confined to using what they could find in their environment. Beads were made from natural stones (precious and not), bone, pearls, shells, and especially porcupine quills. Quills were popular to use as beads because they already had a hole to string them, eliminating some of the prep work. In fact, quillwork was considered a sacred art in and of itself. The process of creating beads from these materials was labor intensive, with artists using stone tools or abrasive sand to shape them and drill holes by hand.

When European settlers arrived, trade beads revolutionized Native American beadwork.

The Europeans brought over small glass beads to trade with native peoples, which made beadwork much faster and easier to complete. Artists were able to create more intricate and creative designs with different colors, patterns, and symbols. It is these colorful and elaborate designs for which American Indian beadwork has become known and prized.

At the Faust Gallery, we collect, display, celebrate, and sell an extensive selection of classic and contemporary Native American art and jewelry. Many of our pieces feature gorgeous beadwork and other unique designs that will add something special to your personal art or jewelry collection.

Shop our gallery online today or stop by in person to view our current exhibitions!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Evolution of Native American Beadwork - Faust Gallery

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Beadwork is one of the most admired and traditional Native American art forms. Native American beadwork is sought-after for its often-vibrant colors, detailed designs, and beautiful patterns. You can find... Read more "

# data[].attributes.body
In the tribe, the men were in charge of the physical labor jobs. They would be responsible for hunting for food such as buffalo, deer, elk, and mountain sheep. They would also be in charge of protecting the camp from predetors and threats to the tribe. The women played a much different role, they were in charge of the homes, cooking, cleaning and watching over children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Blackfoot Tribe: Facts, Clothes, Food and History ***

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out this site for interesting facts and the lifestyle the Blackfoot tribe. Food, clothing, homes, weapons, chiefs and culture of the Blackfoot. Interesting facts about the Blackfoot nation of the Great Plains.

# data[].attributes.body
Some people(men) took on roles as leaders for their hunting bands. These were groups who would split up and hunt together within the assigned group. The leaders would keep them in line.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Article History

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blackfoot, also called Blackfeet, North American Indian tribe composed of three closely related bands, the Piegan (officially spelled Peigan in Canada), or Piikuni; the Blood, or Kainah (also spelled Kainai, or Akainiwa); and the Siksika, or Blackfoot proper (often referred to as the Northern Black…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Native American Indian Facts

Blackfoot Chief Crowfoot

Introduction
The Blackfoot, who are also called Blackfeet, Indians were originally a nomadic American Indian tribe that migrated from the Great Lakes region to the Northwestern United States. They lived in the Northern Great Plains, specifically in Montana and Idaho as well as Alberta Canada. What started out as one nation, evolved over time into four distinct and independent tribes, each with their own government. Because of similar geographic regions how they live, including clothing style, weapons, and food is very similar. Currently, there is one Blackfoot reservation with a population of about 10,000 Indians in the U.S. and another 15,000 live in Canada. Below we have listed interesting facts and information about these Great Plains Indians.

Click here for a great selection of Blackfoot Indian books on AMAZON .

Blackfoot Tribes

Blackfoot/Siksika

Blood/Kainai

Pikuni/Peigan

North Peigan Pikuni

General Blackfoot Indian Facts

The Blackfoot Indians were skilled huntsmen. They primarily hunted buffalo like many other Plains Indians and traveled in groups, when hunting, to cover as much territory as possible.

In the 1800's, the white men began hunting buffalo as well and caused the population to decrease drastically. Over 600 Blackfoot Indians starved to death as a consequence of their dependence on the almost extinct buffalo.

Each of the four tribes, although independent, share one official language called Algonquian. This language is also spoken by many other Indian tribes in the U.S.

The Europeans arrival in the 1800's meant big changes for the Blackfoot. On one hand, they brought horses with them which were invaluable to the Blackfoot because it enabled them to hunt buffalo much easier than on foot or by dog sled. But, they also brought disease that was devastating to the Blackfoot population. The Europeans passed on small pox and measles to the Indians and wiped out a significant percent of the population.

The Blackfoot Indians are very spiritual and believe strongly in supernatural powers. They believe that everything has a spirit, whether alive or inanimate and can be good or evil.

The Blackfoots most important spiritual ceremony is the Sun Dance. It's a yearly event that takes place during the summer. It was also known as the Medicine Lodge Ceremony. It centers around dancing, singing, prayer and fasting, with the buffalo being the highlight of the ceremony. Because they relied on buffalo so much, the ceremony was a way to honor the buffalo.

The Blackfeet were known for mastering several forms of art including embroidery, basket making and beading. Not only did art decorate their clothing, but it could also be seen on their colorful teepees and different types of everyday tools.

The type of jewelry that women wore most often was earrings. They were usually made of seashell or semi-precious metals. Elk tusks were a prized possession and women wore them as decorations on their dresses. Men who achieved a certain level of status in a tribe would wear a grizzly bear paw on a necklace.

Clothing almost always included some part of animal hide or skin. Temperatures in the northern region got cold and the hide provided warmth.

War clothing was elaborate. Porcupine quills were often woven into the clothing and it was often decorated with beadwork and fringe as a status symbol.

The Blackfoot population was known for being difficult to get along with. They fought with those living in close proximity to them including the Assiniboine, Cree, Crows, Flatheads, Kutenai, and the Sioux.

Famous Blackfoot People

Crowfoot, a famous Blackfoot Indian Chief and warrior, was responsible for signing a peace treaty with the Canadian government. Of the many battles he fought, he felt that the toughest battle was one he fought (and could not win) against alcoholism among his people.

Kalani Queypo is a well-known actor with a Blackfoot heritage. He can be seen in movies such as The Royal Tenenbaums and The Juror.

MENU
Great Plains American Indian Facts Blackfoot Indian Facts Cheyenne Indian Facts Comanche Indian Facts Crow Indian Facts Pawnee Indian Facts Sioux Indian Tribe Facts

Great Plains American Indian Facts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interesting listing of facts about the Blackfoot Indians. This includes information about their famous chief and warrior, Crowfoot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The spanish explorer Francisco Coronado introduces the horse to Native American in the Southern Planes. Through intertribal trading, the horse gradually makes its way north to Blackfoot territory.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The spanish explorer Francisco Coronado introduces the horse to Native American in the Southern Planes. Through intertribal trading, the horse gradually makes its way north to Blackfoot territory.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Field Division of Education The Blackfoot

RELIGION

Indian religion, mere than anything else, has been consistently misinterpreted to the public. The statement frequently encountered in literature designed for popular consumption that the Blackfoot are sun-worshippers is entirely misleading and should be avoided. That the sun was a supernatural power, even the most important power, is quite a different matter.

The essence of Blackfoot religion is a system of individual relations to supernatural powers, established through visions and involving ceremonies, songs, and fetishes, ranging from small charms to complex bundles. The Sun Dance was the only ceremony approaching community ritual. In objective representation of religion in a museum, therefore, we have to interpret religion either through appropriate labels on the objective evidence of the individual religion, that is, the fetishes and medicine bundles, or through complex groups representing ceremonies of which the Sun Dance is best known and in many respects more characteristic.

Fetishes and Medicine Bundles.

It is impossible to give a key by which all fetishes and bundles may be interpreted, because their characteristic feature is individuality. To make an accurate statement concerning any particular object that might occur in a collection, the explanation of its owner is essential. The probability is exceedingly small that any white man who collected such objects would know even remotely their true significance, because in the first place, he probably did not inquire, in the second place, if he did inquire, the Indian probably did not tell him. The most that can be given, therefore, is a general explanation of the significance of objects of these types, unless a bundle collected is a well known type described in the literature.

The fetishes, whether simple, individual amulets or complex bundles, comprise a vast variety of trinkets, skins, etc., etc. These are always given the Blackfoot in a vision or a dream, which may be southy by fasting or may come at some time. (There is evidence that Chief Mountain was used as a place for seeking a vision. Schultz. 1916:233-35.) At the same time he receives a instructions as to how to make and use these things, what rites to perform, what to sing, hew to behave, and what taboos to fellow.

These always come from a spirit with which he comes to be in rapport and which guides and assists, him. (See Wissler: 1912:b:71-90 for a collection of accounts of these visions.) The spirit may be the sun, thunder bird, moon, morning star, eagle, buffalo, beaver, or a large variety of other animals, birds and even objects. Although the general power pervading nature and acting through these spirits is called natoji, sun power, this does not mean that in revering some special spirit, the Blackfoot is worshipping the sun.

Instead of receiving these things through his own vision, he may purchase a vision and all that pertains thereto from another, whereupon the latter relinquishes all claim to it. In either event, however, the man's relation to his spirit, fetishes and so forth, is the same. The ceremony involved, frequently quite long, is supposed to recount the original vision in which the fetish and blessing were given. These are generally held in the tipi of the owner. Important ritualistic elements usually involved are: smoking; singing in which the songs are generally grouped into sevens, although ritual is ordinarily done in fours; following the ceremonial number four; opening of the bundle, if there be one; recounting the story of its origin in a vision: the very characteristic burning of sweet grass ( Sevastana odorata) and occasionally of sweat pine ( Abies lasiocarpa), narrow leaved puccoon ( Lithospermum linearifolium) and parsnip ( Loptotaenia multifada) on the cleared space or "altar" in the rear of the tipi (see Wissler, 1912-b: fig. 35 on P. 256 for several painted altars) much praying; gifts; and the use of the sweat-house, a skin-covered structure of twelve or fourteen bent-over willows, which was heated with hot rocks even which water was poured to form steam. (See McClintock, 1910: photo on p. 285 and 287 for a sweat-house frame.)

The outstanding features of the Blackfoot medicine bundle concept then, are: the bundle; the ritualistic behavior accompanying it; the associated body painting, tipi painting and dress; the acquisition of these through a vision or purchase from a previous owner; the social prestige gained by owing or having owned a great many bundles. The Blackfoot, unlike many other Plains tribes, lack the association of bundles with social groups such as clans or political divisions of the tribe.

The following are some of the major classes of fetishes.

(1) War fetishes--usually individual objects, designs, etc.

(2) Horse fetishes-these are charms, generally hung on the bridle and involving other charms, songs, and ceremonies. They are for fleetness and sure-footedness of the owner's horse; some times they serve magically to injure another's horse.

(3) Weasel shirts, that is, shirts trimmed with weasel tails, having value particularly in war.

(4) Similar shirts trimmed with hair-locks.

(5) Head dresses. These were generally of two kinds, a horn bonnet and a feather bonnet. (See illustrations in Wissler, 1912-b:figs. 11 and 12, and in McClintock 1910: on PP. 272-275.) As the privilege of wearing these was also ceremonial, it follows that they were limited to those who had received or purchased the appropriate vision. These were used mainly in war.

(6) Shields. These have names and have probably been transfered many times. They involved ritual. The protective value of the shield is felt to lie in its supernatural qualities rather than impenetrability. Some of these are old and famous have been transfered many times. (See Wissler, 1912-b: 117-125.

(7) Otter bundle. There are two of these, which are famous, and powerful, and confer great blessings. They involve long, complex ceremonies and taboos.

(8) Bear Knife

(9) Medicine lance. One such bundle. This confers especially war power. As with the other bundles the medicine lance is simply the principal of many articles.

(10) Medicine Pipe. More than seventeen of these among the Blackfoot. These confer great power and social distinction upon the owner. (Wissler, 1912-b: fig.22, shows a medicine pipe.) Wissler (1912-b:136-165) describes the contents of a bundle and gives details of the ceremony which would be of use should the Museum come into the possession of a true medicine pipe bundle. There were also other kinds of pipes with their accompanying ceremonies. These should not be confused with ordinary smoking.

(11) Beaver bundles. These are the most complex and important of all, including innumerable animal species and other objects, variously wrapped. The ceremony and connected ritual were also involved, including the usual singing, use of the sweat-house, etc., but also adding the tobacco planting ceremony, (See Schultz and Donaldson, 122-158), calling the buffalo, the sun dance bundle, and others. (Wissler, 1912-b:168-209; Schultz and Donaldson: 95-121). Illustrations (Photos) of this are provided by McClintock (1910:79-l12).

(12) The Nataos or Sun Dance Bundle. This is also complicated and is one of the few bundles primarily associated with women. There are several of these. (Wissler, 1912-b;209-220) See below under "Sun Dance"

Other bundles are special types in which part of the symbolism is represented on the exterior of the tipi. (Wissler, 1912-b:220-24 See pages 15 and 16.

This discussion of bundles is from Wissler (1912-b:65-282)
The Sun Dance
Despite the manifold spectacular features and the widespread poplar interest in the Sun Dance, it is so surcharged with subjective elements and so inextricable intertwined with basic elements of Blackfoot religion in general, that it is well-nigh impossible to represent it objectively without serving to perpetuate popular misconceptions about it. An amply labeled group representing in minature a Sun Dance lodge with some of its more interesting features, such as the weather dancers booth, society dancers, the musicians, the sweat lodge, and the camp circle is the most that could be done. And, since this would but give one phase of an ever-changing series of rituals, a true picture of it could only be given by supplying a museum visitor with a small guide pamphlet which explains briefly but authoritatively this most interesting ceremony.

Although the Sun Dance comes nearest to being a communal ceremony of any Blackfoot rite, it is in reality a composite of particularized ceremonies, conducted specifically for individual goods and incidentally for community benefits.

The occasion for the Sun Dance is a vow, taken by a woman of general virtue and particularly of sex virtue that if she or someone in danger is spared, she will give the Sun Dance. That is to say, she will purchase a natoas bundle, she and her husband taking the lead in long rites including the Sun Dance. Should no one happen to have taken this vow, some eligible woman is practically forced to purchase one of the several natoas bundles in order that the Sun Dance may be given annually. She is called the "medicine woman".

Accordingly, the proposed purchase, i.e., transfer of the bundle is announced and her husband arranges to call the bands together. They come and form a camp circle. During four days preceding the dance proper, the camp is moved daily, the medicine women and other virtuous women meanwhile having a ceremony of eating buffalo. The others have taken vows to do this. Meanwhile, also, sweat lodge have been erected, (McClintock, 1910:235-287 for illustrations) and the leading men bathe. The whole affair involves much ceremony fasting, expense and other strain for the medicine woman and her husband, but is also a great honor.

The Sun Dance lodge (McClintock, 1910:314 for illustration, is also erected with ceremony, renowned warriors counting coup on the center pole; others cut special thongs to bind the poles, a rite which is purchased from those who held it the previous year. There are also special dancers, known as weather dancers, who are in reality sun priests, calling upon the sun for general blessings. These may transfer their rites to others. Again, certain dancers cut holes in buffalo hides, which is a transferable privilege. Certain societies also indulge in their own special dances. With all this, there is feasting, distribution of presents, revitation of war honors, and much singing. Since the natoas bundle transfer is the nucleus of the ceremony, it has much in common with the beaver bundle ceremonies to which the natoas bundle is intimately related.

A spectacular feature is that in which certain warriors thrust skewers through their flesh to which ropes are attached, dancing until the skin pulls loose. This, too, is a privilege that may be transfered and is generally taken upon a vow, when in trouble. It is closely related to a more general practise of cutting out small bits of flesh or hacking off finger joints as offerings to the sun when on the war path or at other times when special blessings are sought.

Should a Sun Dance group be constructed, details of the essential features, including measurements, will be found in Wissler, "The Sun Dance of the Blackfoot Indians" (Wissler, 1918) Illustrations will be found in Schultz (1907, p. 392. Se also, Wissler, 1918: Schultz and Donaldson, 1930:32-94 for the Bloods; McClintock, 1910:179-183, 192-206, 284-324.)

Curing.

Although curing was in some measure accomplished by administering herbs, a list of some of which will be found above, the Blackfoot, like all primitive tribes, in the last analysis, attributed disease to supernatural causes. In the event of serious illness, therefore, the doctor was called upon the perform. The doctor received his power like all other " medicine Men" -- that is, owners, of super-natural powers -- in a vision. A super-natural spirit gave him its aid and instructed him as to what diseases he should cure and what procedure he should follow in doing so.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Field Division of Education The Blackfoot RELIGION Indian religion, mere than anything else, has been consistently misinterpreted to the public. The statement frequently encountered in literature designed for popular consumption that the Blackfoot are sun-worshippers is entirely misleading and should be avoided.