Ceremonial bundles of the Blackfoot Indians

Wissler, Clark

Book

Ceremonial bundles of the Blackfoot Indians

The Trustees • 7 (2) • Published In 1912 • Pages: 1 l., 65-289

By: Wissler, Clark.

Abstract
This monograph, based upon data collected by Wissler, augmented by interviews and narrative texts recorded by his native field assistant and interpreter, is an extremely detailed description of the Blackfoot medicine bundles and the associated ceremonials. Seven case histories of medicine experiences, or power-acquisition experiences, through visions and dreaming, are presented, followed by a careful description of the contents of each of the medicine bundles and of the related ceremonies. A concluding section discusses the various features or parts of the power and bundle acquisition and transfer ceremonies and the nature of ownership of such impersonal power and its physical representation in the bundles. An appendix follows with general notes and new data interpreted since the writing of the author's monograph series on the Blackfoot. Throughout the text and appendix, the author compares the Blackfoot to other Plains and Prairie societies, drawing conclusions about the origins of various ceremonial and material traits. The index included is for the entire monograph series.

Sacred objects and places

Magicians and diviners

Organized ceremonial

Traditional history

Revelation and divination

Prehistory

Blackfoot