Nomads, Warriors and Squaws

Horses turned the Plains Indians into nomads. This means they moved to a new place to live when the land was tired out, or when the buffalo herds moved. Horses allowed them to have far more possessions. An average family needed a dozen horses just to move their belongings! A few still lived in villages, but these became less common. Villages were dangerous because they were much easier to spot and attack.

Everything was designed for life on the move. They lived in tipis. These were quick to put up and pull down. The Indians used a travois attached to the horse to drag their tipis and other possessions. Their household goods had to be suitable for dragging through the countryside at a time when there were no proper roads. Pottery goods were avoided as they smashed easily! Food and other possessions were carried in leather containers for protection.

We have seen how strong the League of the Five Nations made the Iroquois. The Plains Indian tribes had nothing like this. During most of the year the tribe split up into different hunting parties. In the summer they came together for great hunts and for ceremonies. Some tribes had permanent chiefs; some were very strong, others were not. Other tribes appointed a chief for a short time during one event only.

The Cheyenne had a Council made up of peace chiefs. The Council discussed all issues which were important to the tribe. These might include warfare, moving camp, and alliances with other tribes.

Councils were controlled by men. In fact, men controlled most things in the tribe. Women were far less important than they were in the Woodlands. There were very separate roles for men and women.

Interestingly, the Plains Indians had a good way of dealing with men who were not cut out to be warriors. They became women - called berdache! They simply led a woman´s life, and were accepted by the tribe!

James Green: Native peoples of the Americas, Oxford University Press, 1993, page 20 f.