All old spirits have come back to greet him: realizing the Sacred Pole of the Omaha tribe

Ridington, Robin

essay

All old spirits have come back to greet him: realizing the Sacred Pole of the Omaha tribe

present is past : some uses of tradition in native societies • Lanham, Md. • Published In 1997 • Pages: 159-174, 215-232

By: Ridington, Robin.

Abstract
This article discusses how the Omaha community of Macy, Nebraska, reacted when their much venerated and culturally personified sacred pole 'finally returned' from its long sojourn at Harvard University's Peabody Museum. It shows that individual Omaha families experienced this contact with their long lost sacred object differently depending on their view of the past. Some felt a sense of renewal in their identity and 'tribal unity' as Omaha as they took the return of this sacred object as a symbol of 'all the old spirits' coming back from long dislocation. Others became uncomfortable with the presence of these spirits as they may be harmful to the living generation.

Cultural identity and pride

Sacred objects and places

Prayers and sacrifices

Political movements

Acculturation and culture contact

Ingroup antagonisms

Omaha