Throughout history each culture across the globe has been host to its own beliefs about how the world was created, how life came about and what beings create order amongst these things. The Native American’s are no different and had a diverse series of beliefs that differed from tribe to tribe. Perhaps one of the…
Disease in the America’s
Since the arrival of the first Europeans in the 15th Century, Native American’s have seen a series of different factors that resulted in a huge decline of their race. A majority of these took place between the 16th and 19th Centuries and consist of things like violence, warfare, slavery, intermarriage and disease. In fact most…
The Mysterious Medicine People
The term ‘Medicine Man’ is often used for a certain role in the history of Native American society and you would be forgiven for thinking it was a descriptive term for a doctor as we may know them. Though a Medicine Man is a form of healer, it is in a more spiritual sense. Sometimes…
Native American Weapons – Part 2
Knife Knives were excellent tools, great for preparing food, skinning animals and making crafts. Obviously, they are also a very effective weapon. Early Native American knives were made from a sharpened stone, often flint or obsidian, with a handle made from either antler or bone. Later copper knives became very popular, particularly amongst the tribes…
Honouring Tradition in the Modern Era
Here in the 21st century, life moves at a rapid pace. Technological advancements are speeding up our world day by day; we’re all supposedly better connected to each other, better equipped for life’s trials and tribulations and more able to realise our dreams. Traditions are either discarded in favour of new practices, or continue to…
Native Americans and the Buffalo
The American bison, more commonly known as the buffalo, was an integral part of the Native Americans way of life. Before the culling by European settlers they covered North America in huge numbers. It is estimated that before the 19th century there were approximately sixty million buffalo in America. It’s said that they migrated in…
Native American Weapons – Part 1
Axes and Tomahawks One of the most well known Native American weapons is arguably the tomahawk or war axe. Originally tomahawk was the name given to a war club in the Powhatan language, it wasn’t until the European settlers arrived that this changed. With the introduction of steel and iron along with the new weapons…
Native American Names
In almost every culture throughout history names are incredibly important. Even now parents will spend months trying to decide what the perfect name for their child may be; it will define you for the rest of your life. In Native American culture the meaning is perhaps even more important and names were given in a…
The Power of Paint
Native American culture revolved around their beliefs. Their religions often displayed a spiritual connection with nature and the world around them. They showed them in many ways, one of these was through colours and symbols that were painted on their skin. These symbols represented all sorts of things from achievements to roles in society; some…
What is the Wendigo? Part 2
Whatever its beginnings were, the Wendigo was taken quite seriously in native North American culture. Three groups in particular; the Assiniboine, the Cree and the Ojibwa all had a ceremonial dance sometimes performed during periods of famine. The dance is known as the ‘wiindigookaanzhimowin’ or more simply ‘Wendigo-like dance’. It involves a depiction of the…