Religion pervaded every aspect of the life of the American Indians, shaping their language, economy, social life, art and warfare. Common to all Indian religions was a belief in a multitude of spirits — often dwelling within animals — who had the power to intervene in human affairs but were susceptible to prayer, incantation, sacrifice and other appeals. This belief found expression in tribal mythology, in rituals associated with puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and death, and in group ceremonies designed to renew the tribes’ rapport with the spirits, while achieving specific ends such as rain-making, fertility of the buffalo or victory in war. Officiating at such ceremonies were religious leaders known as medicine men, shamans or priests, who were thought to possess special visionary powers. Rituals varied from tribe to tribe. Plains Indian men performed the Sun Dance, which lasted days and often involved self-mutilation, to appease the powers that ruled the universe. They also danced as members of various warrior societies. The Pueblos believed that when their Kachina groups danced, the gods came down to occupy the dancers’ bodies. But common among all tribes was the view that humans, plants and animals were all a part of nature and should live in harmony.

Tags: , Indian Spirituality, Pueblos, Sun Dance, tribal mythology