Sun Dance Rituals: A Brief History Of The Sioux People

The North American Indian Tribe, the Sioux People and Location The North American Indian Tribe, the Sioux, also known as the Nadouessioux, had three major groups. The first group is the Santee, who are known as the Eastern Sioux and are Dakota speakers. The next group Yankton speaks Nakota, and the Western Sioux Teton speaks Lakota (Encyclopdia Britannica). The different tribes are often referred to by the dialect they speak. The locations of the tribes today are spread throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Montana. The Dakota tribe originated in Minnesota and Ohio, where they surrounded Lake Superior before they were pushed west, and now reside in Minnesota and Nebraska (Eliana, E.). The Lakota tribe started out in

The Sioux recognizes four powers that oversee the universe (Encyclopdia Britannica). Native American tribes also see animals as being symbolic; the buffalo and the bear are two animals that hold power in traditional rituals. Tribes used paint during battle as protection. These acted as shields to protect them from the enemies (Eliana, E.). The most important religious event is the Sun Dance. A traditional Sun Dance is where people of independent bands gather to “reaffirm their basic belief about the universe through rituals and community.” (Encyclopdia Britannica). Dress The Sioux saw the buffalo as a provider for everything, including clothes. Native American clothing was traditionally made from buffalo hide and other animal skins (The Sioux of the Plains). To dye hides, they would use berries, leaves, and flowers. Traditionally, women would wear fringe dresses and decorate their clothes with porcupine quills and beads. Men wore breechcloths and fringe shirts. During the colder months fur hides would be worn (The Sioux of the Plains). The Sioux men created body modifications towards themselves as slashings to affirm their warrior identity. Supplements added to dress, including jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. These pieces are made of shells, metal, and beads (Sioux Indians). The Sioux find symbolism in everything in their culture. The clothes they wear are made to protect them and provide for life. Major influences on Sioux dress include other Native American groups. The Sioux follows those traditions of spirituality, ways of life, and dress. Today, the Sioux Native Americans influence the dress of other cultures. We see beadwork and fringe being added to styles of popular