Mandan Topics – Access Genealogy

Choctaw Traditions – The Council Fire, The Nahullo

The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes traditionally exhibited smooth faces, lacking beards, a trait that indicated full Native ancestry. Their council meetings, known as “The Council Fire,” emphasized order and respect, with elders recounting the tribe’s history and traditions. Central to their lore are the mammoths and the Nahullo, a race of giants believed to have once inhabited Mississippi. Despite skepticism from outsiders regarding their traditions, archaeological findings have validated aspects of their rich oral history, reinforcing the accuracy of their ancestral accounts.

The Discovery Of This Continent: It’s Results To The Natives

In 1470, Christopher Columbus married Dona Felipa, daughter of a renowned navigator, and settled in Porto Santo, where they shared dreams of discovering lands to the West. Their ambitions fueled Columbus’s determination, leading to his 1492 voyage that resulted in the European discovery of the Americas. However, this event marked the beginning of devastation for native peoples, introducing warfare, disease, and colonization that would decimate their populations and cultures, ultimately transforming their rich, diverse societies into shadows of their former selves.

The Mandan

"The interior of the hut of a Mandan chief" - Karl Bodmer, 1833

The Mandan people, once a distinct tribe along the Missouri River, were notable for their diverse physical traits and unique cultural practices. Their villages featured earth-covered huts, and they exhibited a strong sense of community, evident in their mourning rituals and hospitality. The Mandan practiced complex ceremonies, including a grand annual festival that involved self-torture for initiation. Tragically, a smallpox outbreak in 1838 decimated their population, leaving them nearly extinct. Some historians speculate connections between the Mandan and early Welsh explorers, adding intrigue to their legacy.

Agreement of July 27, 1866

On July 27, 1866, a treaty was established at Fort Berthold between the United States and the Arickaree tribe, promoting perpetual peace and friendship. The Arickaree agreed to maintain peaceful relations, grant the U.S. rights to construct infrastructure, and submit to U.S. laws. They pledged to combat alcohol use and assist in the apprehension of treaty violators. In exchange, the U.S. promised annual payments and resources for their welfare and development. Additional stipulations included land cessions and similar agreements with the Gros Ventres and Mandan tribes.

Mandan Indians

The Mandan Indians, possibly named after the Dakota word “Mawatani,” were part of the Siouan linguistic stock and primarily resided along the Missouri River. Originally composed of nine villages, they were significantly impacted by smallpox in 1837, reducing their population from 1,600 to just 31. The Mandan have been noted for their interactions with early white explorers and their unique customs, which drew attention from figures such as Maximilian and Catlin. Today, they continue to reside at Fort Berthold and are recognized as U.S. citizens.

Treaty of September 17, 1851

On September 17, 1851, a treaty was established at Fort Laramie between U.S. commissioners and various Indian nations, including the Sioux, Cheyennes, and Crows. The treaty aimed to promote peace among the nations, recognize U.S. rights to establish infrastructure, and ensure protection for the tribes. In return, the tribes promised restitution for wrongs against Americans and designated their respective territories. The U.S. agreed to provide annual financial support for ten years, contingent upon adherence to treaty terms. This document laid the groundwork for future relations and territorial acknowledgment.

Houses of the Mandan Tribe

In November 1738, a French expedition led by La Verendrye became the first known Europeans to visit the Mandan Tribe, documenting their six fortified villages, each encircled by tall palisades. The Mandans lived in spacious earth lodges and cultivated crops, showcasing a prosperous way of life. Descriptions by explorers Lewis and Clark in 1804 and later accounts by Catlin and Maximilian reveal significant changes over time, including the decline of the population due to smallpox and conflicts, leading to the eventual abandonment of many settlements.

Mandan Tribe

The Mandan, a Siouan tribe located in the northwest near the Missouri River, historically called themselves Numakiki, with origins possibly linked to eastern regions. They traditionally engaged in agriculture and built circular, clay-covered log huts. Their social structure featured polygamy and various village divisions. The tribe faced significant population decline due to smallpox and conflicts, reducing from approximately 1,600 in 1837 to about 125 by 1838. They maintained friendly relations with the United States and were involved in significant treaties throughout the 19th century.

Mandan Indian Chiefs and Leaders

Shahaka, known as Le Gros Blanc or Big White, was a Mandan chief born around 1765. He led the Lower Village of the Mandan and aided the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804-5, earning a medal for his contributions. Described as mild and intelligent, he accompanied the expedition to St. Louis to meet President Jefferson. However, he later fell into disrepute among his people and was ultimately killed in a conflict with the Sioux. His legacy is carried on by his descendants, including his great-grandson.

Mandan

The Mandan tribe, tracing a vague tradition of eastern emigration, established villages along the Missouri River in the mid-18th century. First visited by Sieur de la Verendrye in 1738, they faced attacks from the Asiniboin and Dakota and were severely impacted by smallpox. This led to a significant population decline and migration, ultimately consolidating into two villages by 1804. Although their population briefly rose to 1,600 by 1837, they suffered another smallpox outbreak, leaving only a handful of survivors by the late 19th century.

Tribal Signs – Lipan to Sheepeater – Sign Language

The post outlines various sign languages used by different Native American tribes, including the Lipan, Mandan, and Sheepeater. Each tribe has unique gestures representing their identity, culture, and environment. For instance, the Lipan gesture involves specific finger movements that mimic actions associated with their surroundings, while the Mandan sign represents their distinct attire. The Sheepeater sign illustrates sheep behavior, reflecting their connection to this animal. Overall, these signs serve as essential elements of communication and cultural expression among the tribes.

1837 Smallpox Epidemic

The smallpox epidemic of 1837 had a devastating impact on Native American tribes in the Missouri Valley. Originating on a steamboat, the disease spread rapidly, decimating populations— Mandans dropped from 1,600 to 31 and Minnetarees from 1,000 to 500. The Assiniboins, Crows, and Blackfeet suffered similarly heavy losses, with an estimated 10,000 deaths. Eyewitness accounts described a haunting scene of desolation, with empty lodges and scattered corpses, reflecting the profound tragedy that swept through the region, leaving a scar on the landscape and the survivors.

Tipi and Earth Lodges of the Plains Tribes

Fig. 8. Setting up a Crow Tipi. (Tetzold photo.)

The Plains Indian tipi, made of dressed buffalo skins, was a vital structure for many tribes, primarily erected by women. Its conical shape varied slightly across tribes, with distinct methods of construction using either three or four poles as a foundation. Beyond tipis, tribes like the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara utilized earth-covered lodges, characterized by a circular depression for a fireplace and sturdy frameworks. These lodges were typically permanent, contrasting with the nomadic use of tipis, which adapted to the lifestyle of buffalo hunting.

Industrial Arts of the Plains Tribes

Among Plains tribes, families practiced self-sufficient manufacturing with limited specialization based on gender. Each member contributed to various industrial arts, particularly in skin and textile processing. Fire-making techniques primarily involved the simple fire drill, while textiles were largely replaced by skin use. Notable basket-making skills were reported among the Shoshoni and Ute. The dressing of hides, essential for creating clothing and tools, involved labor-intensive methods. Overall, the Plains tribes demonstrated unique cultural practices in their industrial arts, reflecting both necessity and resourcefulness.

Hunting and Food of the Plains Tribes

Fig. 1. Sinew-backed Bow and Quiver from the Blackfoot and a Compound Bow of Mountain Sheep Horn from the Nez Percé.

The Plains Indians primarily relied on buffalo as their main food source, supplemented by smaller game and cultivated crops like corn. They employed various hunting methods, notably cooperative techniques using horses, which enhanced their mobility and hunting efficiency. The introduction of horses significantly transformed their culture, encouraging nomadism over agriculture. Hunting techniques included organized surrounds and impounding, which were practiced across several tribes. They also relied on bows and lances for hunting and created pemmican for preserving meat.

Earth Lodges of the Mandan, Arikara and Hidatsa

The Mandan, known for their unique earth-covered lodges along the Missouri River, were primarily farmers and bison hunters. By the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, their population had been significantly reduced due to conflict and disease. To survive, they allied with the Arikara and Hidatsa, forming the Three Affiliated Tribes. Their lodges, larger and more sophisticated than common pit houses, showcased advanced architectural techniques. These structures provided shelter from harsh weather, reflecting a complex culture deeply rooted in communal and spiritual life.

Shahaka, Mandan Chief

Shahaka, known as Big White, was a Mandan chief encountered by Lewis and Clark during their expedition in 1804. The travelers received a warm welcome at the Mandan villages, leading them to winter there. During their stay, they recognized Shahaka’s leadership, gifting him items of honor. Upon returning eighteen months later, Shahaka expressed a willingness to visit Washington, D.C., but ultimately hesitated due to safety concerns. His brief journey to the capital remains largely undocumented, leaving his experiences shrouded in mystery.

Mandan Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

Many tribes, including the Mandan, have complex social structures comprising sub-tribes, bands, gens, clans, and phratries, though often little is known or they have disappeared. Among them is Histapenumanke, a significant Mandan band recognized in their mythology as the first to emerge from the subterranean lake. This highlights the intricate societal organization within the Mandan and their unique cultural narratives.