Mandan Village Life

Corn Husking Story

Blackfeet Men and Women

Hunting Buffalo

Blackfeet War Party

Blackfeet War Party

Even warfare, on the surface a distinctly male activity, required the participation of both men and women.

In this painting by an anonymous Blackfeet artist, a war party returns to its village. Women play a central role in the celebration. Carrying pieces of scalp given to them by their warrior relatives, the women sing songs praising the successful raid and thanking the spirit helpers for their assistance.

While the men had been away, the women had prayed for victory. They therefore shared in the glory of the men’s success.

Blackfeet Tribe. War Party, Paint on Cloth, prior to 1897.