Honouring the horse

Horse Ritual

Many Plains and Plateau communities incorporate the horse into their ceremonies. There are specific dances to honour the horse or ask for its blessing and assistance, the Horse Dance being one example. When horse sweats are held, the horse spirit is called upon to assist in healing ceremonies. Elements of the horse, particularly hair from the mane and tail, are also incorporated into headdresses, objects, and clothing for ritual use.

Nakota man (right) carrying horse effigy Fort Belknap Reservation, 1905 Photograph by Sumner Matteson, Jr. Milwaukee Public Museum 43757

Nakota woman giving away her best horse, bridle and saddle, Fort Belknap Reservation, 1905 Photograph by Sumner Matteson, Jr. Milwaukee Public Museum 43772

Dance stick Nuptadi/Nueta/Hidatsa/Lakota 1996 Horsehair, purple heartwood Made by Dennis Fox, Jr. CMC V-H-23

Introduction | Dress Proudly | Horse Imagery | Horse Ritual | Adapting to a new way of life

Introduction | Buffalo and Deer | Dog and Coyote | Honouring the Horse

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