The Lakota Sun Dance: An Overview of the Interconnectivity With all Aspects of Lakota Culture and the Changes Incurred During the Reservation Period

Abstract: A 15 page overview of this sacred reflection of Lakota culture. The author points out that the Sun Dance is intertwined with such cultural elements as the Sacred Pipe, Lakota oral history, and even the most simplistic aspects of their ceremonial lives. The Sun Dance, after all is a circular ceremony and one with no beginning and no end. Although the Dancers of the Sun Dance gather and actually dance only at specific times, the Sun Dance interlaces all aspects of traditional Lakota culture. The author emphasizes that only the traditional Lakota people understand the full degree to which the Sun Dance interlaces their culture. Only the traditional Lakota, therefore can understand the full meaning of this ceremony and many, in fact, contend that the truths of the Sun Dance are sacred and should not be shared with non-Indians. Consequently, this paper attempts to provide a respectful yet informative overview of a very complex aspect of Lakota life while not intruding upon the sacred nature of that life. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

Filename: PPnaSunD.rtf

Pages: 11

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: Native Indian Studies

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