Book

The Sun Dance of the Blackfoot Indians

The Trustees16 (3) • Published In 1918 • Pages: i, 223-270

By: Wissler, Clark.

Abstract
This is a detailed account of the Piegan Sun Dance that the author saw performed twice during his stay among the Blackfoot from 1902 to about 1911. Wissler's exact observations on this ceremonial are further supplemented by data provided by native informants. In this work various elements of the Sun Dance are discussed at great length, such as the preliminary preparations for the ceremony, a daily account of events taking place during the first eight days, the vow (to perform the ceremony), the ceremony of the tongues, and the medicine woman, (one of the key participants in the Sun Dance). The monograph concludes with a brief discussion of some mythological notes relevant to the ritual, and the degree to which the Blood and North Blackfoot participate.
Subjects
Organized ceremonial
Priesthood
Mythology
Asceticism
Prayers and sacrifices
Outbuildings
Religious and educational structures
culture
Blackfoot
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
North America
Sub Region
Plains and Plateau
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1982
Field Date
1902- ca.1911
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Montana, United States; Alberta, Canada
Notes
Clark Wissler
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
19010681
LCSH
Siksika Indians