The Plains Tribes

1. In the Osage creation story, who is said to be the father of the tribe members?
2. Describe the hierarchy or relative importance of people, earth, and animals in Plains Tribe beliefs.
3. What is the purpose of the Plains Indian's ritual "Vision Quest?"
4. What type of decoration might be on an "exploit robe?"
5. Why do you think early Plains settlers felt especially threatened by the "Ghost Dance?"
6. What were some of the purposes of the ritual "Sun Dance" in Plains tribes?
7. Describe two of the symbolic aspects of the plains headdress.
8. In the last section of the Osage Creation story, to whom does the warrior appeal for help? What does this suggest about the Plains Tribe's relationship to the natural world? The Osage depended on beans, corn, potatoes, grasses, and trees, for livelihood. According to the Osage Creation Story, where did these blessings originate?

Native Art of the Southwest

9. What does the name "Hopi" mean?
10. Why did Spaniards want to destroy Hopi Kivas, or ceremonial chambers?
11. What is the use of a Hopi Kachina, or doll? How is the kachina used in ceremonies or rituals?
12. In the Navajo Story, who is the Spider Woman?
13. In the Navajo Story, what does the Spider Woman create to help the people cross a great canyon?
14. In what type of ritual is the Navajo sand painting often used?
15. According to Navajo mythology, what was the magical use of the woven blanket?
16. Southwest Hopi Indians believe that all things in nature have specific roles to play. According to Hopi belief, what happens if tribe members do not observe the prescribed ritiuals?

The Woodland Tribes--Art and Ritual

17. What were some of the natural objects of southeast America used in Woodland Tribes' art?
18. What did the Cherokee sometimes call themselves?
19. What was considered to be "fire's messenger" and celebrated in tribal rituals?
20. The Cherokee believed in one God, what was their name for this spirit?
21. In the Cherokee creation story, what is the original appearance of the earth?
22. Before making people, Someone Powerful created plants and animals -- they were told to be watchful for how many days and nights?
23. The Cherokee were forced to leave their homeland in a movement which historians often call the "Trail of Tears." Give details about this relocation.
24. What generalizations can you make about Native Americans' art?
25. Describe one work of Native American art, artifact, ritual, mythology, etc. that you would like to remember from the class.