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