Great Plains Peoples and Culture

Flashcards centered around key vocabulary related to the Great Plains peoples, their culture, and survival.

Great Plains

A broad expanse of flat land in North America, home to various Indigenous tribes.

Tipi

A conical tent made of buffalo hide and poles, used by nomadic tribes of the Great Plains.

Travois

A frame made from poles and skins used for carrying goods, especially during bison hunts.

Bison

A large, shaggy mammal that was the primary source of food for Great Plains tribes.

Powwow

A celebration or prayer event that includes dancing and ceremonial activities, held by Indigenous tribes to honor the Great Spirit.

Sun Dance

A four-day summer ceremony of renewal where dancers perform without food or water, often involving self-sacrifice.

Counting coup

The act of touching or scaring an enemy and escaping unharmed, considered a significant act of bravery.

Nomad

A person who moves from place to place, often in search of food and resources.

Lodge

A large, round hut built over a deep hole, serving as a more permanent dwelling for settled Great Plains peoples.

Sacred

Regarded with reverence and respect for its connection to the spiritual world.