article

The bear cult among the Assiniboin and their neighbors of the northern Plains

Southwestern journal of anthropology11 (1) • Published In 1955 • Pages: 1-14

By: Ewers, John Canfield.

Abstract
This is a discussion of the Assiniboine Bear Cult, including a description of its dress, paraphernalia, and ceremonies. Bears were animals of great power and healing abilities. Bear Cult members were aggressive in war and helped to doctor the sick. Ewers compares the Assiniboine cult to those of the Dakota, Omaha, Winnebago, Crow, Plains Cree, Blackfoot, and Piegan; and links it to historical accounts of Bear Cults among tribes of the Eastern Woodlands.
Subjects
Comparative evidence
Special garments
Ornament
Congregations
Ethnozoology
culture
Assiniboine
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
North America
Sub Region
Plains and Plateau
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnographer
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2001
Field Date
1953
Coverage Date
1830-1930
Coverage Place
Fort Peck Reservation, Montana, United States
Notes
John C. Ewers
Includes bibliographical references (p. 12-14)
LCCN
47005758
LCSH
Assiniboine Indians