Iowa

Plains Indian Culture

Fig. 34. The Cheyenne Camp Circle. (Dorsey).

Museum collections cannot illustrate this important phase of culture; but since no comprehensive view of the subject can be had without its consideration, we must give it some space. It is customary to treat of all habits or customs having to do with the family organization, the community, and what we call the state, under the head of social organization. So, in order that the reader may form some general idea of social conditions in this area, we shall review some of the discussed points. Unfortunately, the data for many tribes are meager so that a complete review cannot be … Read more

Iowa Indian Tribe Photo Descriptions

A tribe of Indians of Dakota stock, inhabiting originally the interior of the State of the same name. Marquette in 1673 placed them on his map as the Pa-houtet. Some of the neigh boring Algonkin called them Iowas a name originally applied to a river, and said to mean “the beautiful land” and others Mascoutin or Prairie Nadouessi. In their own tongue their name is Pahucha, meaning u Dusty Nose. “They were famous as great pedestrians, being able to walk twenty-five or thirty leagues a day, and the names of many of their chiefs show that they prided themselves on … Read more

Medicine Bag of my Forefathers

I now fell heir to the great medicine bag of my forefathers, which had belonged to my father. I took it, buried our dead, and returned with my party, sad and sorrowful, to our village, in consequence of the loss of my father. Owing to this misfortune I blacked my face, fasted and prayed to the Great Spirit for five years, during which time I remained in a civil capacity, hunting and fishing. The Osages having again commenced aggressions on our people, and the Great Spirit having taken pity on me, I took a small party and went against them. I … Read more

Young Mahaskah, Ioway Chief

Young Mahaskah, An Ioway Chief

This is the son of Mahaskah the elder and Rantchewaime. On the death of his father, young Mahaskah took charge of his family. Inheriting by birth the title and prerogatives of chief, it was supposed he would assume the authority of one; but this he refused to do, saying, he would not occupy the place of his father unless called to that station by a majority of his people.

Watchemonne, Ioway Chief

Watchemonne, The Orator, Third Ioway Chief

Watchemonne, or, The Orator, the third chief of the Ioway, was born at the old Ioway village, on Des Moines River, at this time occupied by Keokuk, and, in 1838, was about fifty-two years of age.

Shauhaunapotinia, Ioway Chief

Shauhaunapotinia, Ioway Chief, the Man who killed three Sioux. He is also called Moanahonga, which means Great “Walker.

Rantchewaime, Ioway Indian

Rantchewaime, Female Flying Pigeon, Wife of Mahaskah, Ioway Indian

Rantchewaime means, Female Flying Pigeon. She has been also called, the beautiful Female Eagle that flies in the air. This name was given to her by the chiefs and braves of the nation, on account of her great personal beauty.

Neomonni, Fifth Ioway Chief

Neomonni, Fifth Ioway Chief, is a warrior of repute. In one of his adventures he accompanied the celebrated Otto chief Ietan, to the river Platte…

Moanahonga, An Ioway Chief

Moanahonga, which signifies Great Walker, was an Iowa brave. This brave was called by another name, Big Neck; and was known by the name of Winaugusconey.

Indian Tribes of the Southern Plains Region

The Regional Director represents the Southern Plains Region in dealing with other governmental entities and tribal entities. The Regional Director serves as the representative for the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs with the responsibility to work toward strengthening intergovernmental assistance to all the Federally-recognized tribes under the jurisdiction of the Southern Plains Regional Office. The Southern Plains Region has two (2) Deputy Regional Directors, who work directly under the Regional Director. Dan Deerinwater, Regional Director Southern Plains Regional Office Bureau of Indian Affairs WCD Office Complex P.O. Box 368 Anadarko, OK 73005 Anadarko Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs … Read more

Iowa Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

Many tribes have sub-tribes, bands, gens, clans and phratry.  Often very little information is known or they no longer exist.  We have included them here to provide more information about the tribes. Chedtokhanye (big buffalo bull). A subgens of the Arukhwa, the Buffalo gens of the Iowa. Chedtoyine (young buffalo bull). A subgens of the Arukhwa, the Buffalo gens of the Iowa. Cheghita. An Iowa gens. Its sub gentes are Nachiche, Khrahune, Khrakreye, and Khrapathan. Cheposhkeyine (swelled young buffalo bull). A subgens of the Arukhwa, the Buffalo gens of the Iowa. Cheyinye (buffalo calf). A subgens of the Arukhwa, the … Read more