Lakota Tribe

Maurice Crowell

1. The Lakota Indians were spread out a lot of places across America; however the most common place to find them was in North and South Dakota.

2. The one thing about the Lakota’s view of the world is associated with is their view of energy. Energy is the thing that gives everything, and everybody life. However, energy is eternal because you are not born with the energy that you have. All supreme power comes from the word Wakan Tanka that controls all of the present things, including space and time. So the name for energy is Wakan, Tanka.

3. The most sacred symbol to the Lakota tribe is the circle. It represents the earth and the circle of life.

The Sacred Eagle is also a sacred symbol to the Lakota tribe. It is a symbol for all divine spirit, power, and freedom as it flies around in the sky.

A sacred thunderbird symbol was a symbol of power and strength.

4. The most sacred place to the Lakota tribe is the Black Hills. It resembles the heart of an Eagle’s point of view. The reason it is so sacred is because of the amount of granite that is there.

5. Skan is the supreme god. He changes things and has supreme authority everywhere. Iktomi is the trickster god. He is clever and has a symbol of defiance. Gnas is the bad god. He is a demon and is deceitful.

6. Totem:

Bear- Represents stability, durability, healing, introspection, maturity, and leadership.

Snake- Represents mystery, adaptability, femininity, transformation, and healing.

Lizard-Represents adaptability, optimism and good cheer.

Fetishes:

Turtle Carvings: Carvings to give health

Buffalo Carvings: Carvings that symbolize strength.

Sacred Pipe: Used to pray

Taboos: Taboos are when men in the tribe would not do anything to Wakan Tanka as a offering.

7. The role of a Shaman, is to have access to the spiritual world, and practices divination and healing.

8. Sweat Lodge: When a person is relieved of negative energy through the release of sweat.

The tossing of the Sacred Ball: It represents the drive to have knowledge and wisdom as the great buffalo spirit.

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