Historical Context of the Pawnee and American Expansion

TOWARD "THE STONY MOUNTAINS"

Reflection on the Soul's State

  • Quote: "Now your soul has faded away. It has become blue. When darkness comes your spirit shall less and dwindle away, never to grow or reappear."

  • Contextually, this reflects a sense of despair and loss of identity, particularly in the face of adversity.

The Trail of Tears

  • Historical Context:

    • Cherokee people faced immense suffering during their forced relocation.

    • Over 4,000 Cherokees died during the journey to new lands west of the Mississippi, a traumatic event remembered as the "Trail of Tears."

American Progress: Civilizing Over Savagery

  • Geographic Context:

    • Beyond the Mississippi River, diverse Plains Indian tribes such as the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Sioux, and Pawnee inhabited the region.

    • The Pawnees specifically relied on buffalo and corn for sustenance, both of which are integral to their culture and legends.

Pawnee Creation Legend

  • The Pawnee legend recounts how they initially lived on roots and berries until a transformative encounter:

    1. A young man discovers an old woman in a cave who leads him to a bountiful land.

    2. Prophecy: The buffalo were given to them as sustenance, with specific instructions to honor the buffalo after the hunt by preparing it with great reverence.

    3. Corn Seed Gift: She also gifted them four intertwined bundles of corn seeds to plant for the people.

Buffalo Hunting Rituals

  • Importance of the Hunt:

    • The buffalo hunt was not merely a necessity but a sacred activity, filled with rituals.

  • Ceremonial Practices:

    • Chanting: Pawnees sang songs that expressed their connection to the buffalo, describing their forthcoming arrival and revering them.

  Listen, he said, yonder the buffalo are coming,
  These are his sayings, yonder the buffalo are coming,
  They walk, they stand, they are coming,
  Yonder the buffalo are coming.
  Now you are going to trot
  Buffalo who are killed falling.

  • Hunting Process:

    • Organization involved forming a horseshoe formation to trap the buffalo with attackers from both foot and mounted positions leading to butchering.

  • Butchering Challenges:

    • The process varied seasonally, with winter presenting difficulties due to freezing conditions and summer leading to pest issues.

    • Efficient use of buffalo was stressed, with all parts utilized for different needs:

    • Hides for tepees and clothing.

    • Bones for tools.

    • Intestines featured in cooking as a delicacy, demonstrating every part of the animal was honored and utilized.
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