“Dog” dance of the Great Plains Indians

Among the Great Plains Indians, membership in secret societies was rather connected with military cults than with tribal religious beliefs. Not any adult man could become a member of such society, but only such man who had proved his military valor. The dog was considered the patron of such societies. Before a military campaign members of such societies performed a “dog” dance. Sheyen Indians believed that after performing this ritual, the warrior will obtain dog’s properties – its sense of smell, strength, stamina and dexterity so vital in a fight. The performer of the dance held a symbolic bow-spear with bunches of colored hairs and feathers. This object, according to Indians’ beliefs, possessed a “magical power” with the help of which spirits received requests for help in the forthcoming battle.

Model "Indian of the Plains dancing "dog" dance". Museum exposition