Plains Indians Mindmap

Plains Indians Mindmap

1. Great Plains

   • Vast area of grassland and rivers
   • Prairie grass
   • Extreme Climate
   • Wildlife including buffalo
   • Plains Indians 'Nomads'
   • Rocky Mountains in West
   • Black Hills in North were sacred - close to Spirit world.
   • Woodland (Hills) near Mississippi

2. Indians Life on the Plains

   • Tipi's suited to nomadic lifestyle
   • Warrior societies made decisions on hunting and warfare
   • Councils - Men would make important decisions.
   • Customs and Traditions - shamed in front of band if crime committed.
   • Chiefs - Not elected, chosen because of their wisdom, spiritual power and leadership qualities.

3. Indian Warfare

   • 'Counting Coup'
   • Taking Scalps and mutilation
   • Small raids
   • Steal horses and take captives
   • Measured wealth in horses.
   • More casualties in hunting than warfare.
   • Practised Polygamy so women would have a male to look after them if husband died in battle.

4. Indian Religion

   • Believed Spirits influenced their lives.
   • Wakan Tanka
   • Every person had a spirit.
   • Illness caused by evil spirit entering you.
   • Believed in Circle of Nature.
   • Visions to contact Spirit world individually.
   • Dances and ceremonies e.g. Sun Dance
   • Land was sacred
   • Medicine Man