Coup And Scalp Among The Plains Indians

Description:

Prior to the introduction of guns, taking of a scalp was considered a trophy. The last Cheyenne scalp dance took place in 1852. The Indians thought it was a much braver act to touch the body of a fallen foe with a coup stick under fire of the enemy. Among the Cheyenne, an older man who was ready to die could will his body to the enemy which meant committing suicide by allowing the enemy to attack him.

Protocol:

UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center Public Access

Community:

UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center

Category:

Anatomy, Death, Mental/Emotional, Physiology, Surgery, Tribal Actions

Original Date:

1910

Creator:

Patterson Fd.

Language:

English

Rights:

Records indicate that the UNM Health Sciences Library owns a copy of this item, but there may be a need to clear rights with a copyright holder prior to sharing with the public.

Source:

American Journal Of Clinical Medicine; Grinnell, GB. Coup and scalp among the Plains Indians. Am Anthro 1910 n.s.;12:296-309.

Identifier:

9900543

Subject:

Burial, Dancing, Mortality, Scalp, Suicide

Type:

Monograph