article
The Comanche Sun Dance
American anthropologist • 37 • Published In 1935 • Pages: 420-428
By: Linton, Ralph.
Abstract
This document is an account of the Sun Dance, last held in 1878, based essentially on second hand evidence, since only one informant had actually witnessed the dance and his memory was vague. The dance was held at irregular intervals from 1860 on, usually with only part of the tribe participating. Apparently the purpose of the ceremony was partly to increase the importance of the medicine man, who remainded the central figure throughout, and partly to improve the well-being of the whole group, especially their physical health. The Comanche probably did not have the Sun Dance long enough to completely integrate it with the rest of their religion.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Plains and Plateau
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1959
- Field Date
- 1933
- Coverage Date
- 1700-1878
- Coverage Place
- southwestern United States
- Notes
- Ralph Linton
- LCCN
- 17154241
- LCSH
- Comanche Indians