Individual motivation in the diffusion of the Wind River Shoshone Sundance to the Crow Indians

Voget, Fred W.

article

Individual motivation in the diffusion of the Wind River Shoshone Sundance to the Crow Indians

American anthropologist • 50 (4) • Published In 1948 • Pages: 634-646

By: Voget, Fred W..

Abstract
Motivations for participation in, and the diffusion of, the Sundance by four Crow and a Shoshone are discussed in this work. The Sundance is examined as a factor in nativistic thinking, and as an anxiety-reducing mechanism for the individual under the pressures for acculturation. Although there is some commentary on innovations, and their acceptance or rejection in regard to the personalities of the innovators, the article largely is largely concerned with the motivations of the individuals; there is almost no detail about the ceremony itself.

Organized ceremonial

General character of religion

Status, role, and prestige

Revelation and divination

Political movements

Life and death

Dance

Acculturation and culture contact

Magical and mental therapy

Medical therapy

Ethos

Music