Military science

Most American aborigines were constantly at war with their neighbors. In Central and Eastern regions of North America the main purpose of military attacks was demonstrate courage and valor by bringing an enemy’s scalp or by driving home stolen horses. A valorous warrior could hope to marry a beautiful girl from a noble clan. Military campaigns sometimes lasted for weeks and even for months. The Iroquois, whose military detachments traveled hundreds of kilometers away from home, inspired other tribes with particular terror. Captives were usually killed in the course of lengthy tortures that they tried to endure courageously.

The Tlingit warrior’s armor consisted of a shirt made of thick elk skin, an armor to protect chest and back, a helmet and a visor that protected the soldier’s head and neck. Armors were often decorated with carving, painted and even incrusted with pearls. In the 19th century iron daggers were a common close fight weapon. In the Tlingit language daggers were called “always ready for fight”, as the owner held them close even in sleep. Apart from daggers, bow and arrows, tomahawk axes and clubs were common types of weapon. Most often young people not burdened with families took part in military raids. Military male unions, which were usually named after animals, served as a specific school for young warriors.

Warriors Running Bear, Warrior, Plucked out Tooth, Foot Sole, Make it  Long.   USA, Dakota state. The Sioux. G. Grabill. 1891		The Sioux warriors and tribe heads. USA, Dakota state.  G. Grabill. 1891		USA. Oklahoma. The Wichita.
Collective portrait of 53 well-known representatives of Indian Sioux tribe, Dakota state, Georgia. USA. Dakota. The Sioux. Grabill D., 1891		The Sioux Indians in traditional wear. USA. Dakota. The Sioux. Grabill D., 1892		USA. Russian America. The Tlingits, XIX c.
Commander in ceremonial wear. USA. The Aparai Indians, by 1933		USA. Russiam America. The Tlingits.