Sun Dance And Sacred Pipe Ceremony Analysis

The Sioux believed that “Mother Nature” created all things. Thus: inside animals, plants, and humans, there’s something called“Wakana” which comes from the “Great Spirit”. With regards to this, the Sioux didn’t think that the physical and spiritual world are separate but connected. In total the Sioux are known to have seven ceremonies, but two of the most important ones include “The Sun Dance and “Sacred Pipe Ceremony”. The Sun Dance was performed every year at the beginning of Summer Solstice, lasting up to as long as eight days. The purpose of this dance, was to demonstrate the never ending cycle between life and death ( nature rely one another each other). It started out with the priest directing a group of Sioux men to find a tree with a fork once they found one they then would put a bundle on to the fork. Next a group of nicely dressed Sioux women, clansmen, and the main dancer would prepare the lodge. What’s left is for the Eagle to do it’s job. But long before the Eagle was the buffalo, it was the center of past Sun Dances because of its representation of their way of life.

On the other hand, “The Sacred Pipe Ceremony” circled around the smoke of truth that came out from the pipe, the smoke represented their prayers to the Great Spirit, who interacted with Mother Nature.

The item both a religious and spiritual enshrinement was treated with care and respect. Hence, the job was given to the members from “ Tobacco Society” in the Sioux Tribe, who would put little amounts of tobacco or a mixture of herbs and then poof out in each of the four directions to attest to Father Sky, Mother Earth, and the Great Spirit. During this process the pipe will be passed around the circle from one person to the next, with the occurrence of the same

actions.
Besides their religious life , the roles of a Sioux men included providing and protecting their family. While the women would stay home, took care of the children, and do household chores. They were also the ones to build their house and carry heavy posts whenever the tribe migrated. Forms of transportation included canoles but they mostly walking, during these long trips it was convenient for mothers to carry their babies in baby carriers. Other tools included :bows, arrows, spears, war clubs, and buffalo- hide shields. These tools were not only for Sioux warriors but used also in their daily lives. The Sioux weren't completely defenseless, tactics such as IRA, the Taliban, and the Viet Cong were all inspired by a method that Crazy Horse invented. Which consisted of a quick attack and run, used to intimidate their enemies. Not only were they great fighters but they were also artists, well rounded in : quillwork, beadwork,buffalo- hide paintings, pottery, parfleche(the craftsmanship of any leather containers), and ceremonial calumets( crafting of pipes).