The Blackfoot Indians Essay

Words: 2386
Pages: 10

The Blackfoot Indians

The wind blows across the lone prairie, causing the golden heads of grass to sway in a synchronized motion. On the horizon stands a herd of buffalo with bowed heads silhouetted by the slowly sinking sun. In the east stands an
Indian war party mounted on horseback, each individual in different multicolored attire, all with either bows or spears in hand. As they move in for the attack, the mystical scene slowly fades from vision.... This dreamlike scene was once everyday life to the American Indian before they were robbed of all that made their life real. The Indians originally came over to North America via the Bering Strait at a time when the ice age caused the gap to freeze over. They came from Asia by
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When the tribe traveled, the tepee was collapsed and carried on a horse. However, before the introduction of the horse, the tepee was probably smaller with lighter poles, and covered with bark or mats.

Among the Blackfoot Indians, the hair was considered the "seat of the soul". Warriors combed a narrow lock of hair over the bridge of the nose, cutting it square. The Blackfoot were responsible for some of the most impressive costume on the Plains. They frequently used ermine in their clothing and decorated their war costumes with paint, beads, etc. These costumes were considered to have spiritual powers, and hence were rarely worn. However, such costumes were worn at certain special events as the "war parade", which was held to impress guests. The people formed lines or circles while featuring headdresses, shields, lances, painted ponies, and ermine fringes on clothing.
They also wore animal skins from the animal they had the powers of as a symbol of a transfer of power. During moves, these "uniforms" were stored in containers that were proudly carried by the warriors' wives. For everyday attire, the men in warm weather wore a breechcloth and moccasins. In cold weather, men wore deerskin shirts, long skin leggings, and a buffalo robe. The women's attire in warm weather consisted of dresses made of deer or sheepskin.
The length was below the knee and it was held on the shoulders by straps. In cold weather, sleeves could be added by tying skin