“Hereditary leadership was unknown. Men became chiefs by their prowess in war; and because he must ever be generous, a chief was usually a poor man. With the Blackfeet, as with the other Indians of the Northwestern plains, a chieftainship… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“The power of endurance of the plains Indians has always been beyond comprehension by white men. These tribesmen hunted, feasted, gambled, and eagerly made war, young men often faring forth alone over the unmarked plains to count coup , so… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Hereditary leadership was unknown. Men became chiefs by their prowess in war; and because he must ever be generous, a chief was usually a… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“From the host’s place at the “head” of a lodge his sons sat at his left, according to age; his wives, and their visiting… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Now, to steal horses, their raiding parties ranged over the endless grass-lands far toward the south, old warriors say even into the Spanish possessions.… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“There was little sickness, since the daily lives of the plains Indians kept them in perfect physical condition. Sunrise saw most of the men… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Girls were warned by their mothers against infidelity to their husbands, since adultery cost a married woman her nose, or ears; for a second… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Burial of the dead was usually on platforms lashed to the limbs of trees beyond the reach of wolves. Securely wrapped in buffalo robes,… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“The men were thorough sportsmen, loving horse-racing, foot-racing, and gambling. They were graceful winners, and good losers in games of chance. And they were… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“The power of endurance of the plains Indians has always been beyond comprehension by white men. These tribesmen hunted, feasted, gambled, and eagerly made… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Children were often named by their grandparents, or other aged relations, dreams usually suggesting the names chosen. Sometimes the one commissioned for the office… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Smoking was a sacred ceremony. Old plains Indians sealed oaths and agreements with the pipe. In smoking, the host or master of ceremonies, filled… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Beyond the gift of horses or goods to the woman's father there was no ceremony, and little formality, in a plural marriage. A man's… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
“Blackfeet! No tribal name appears oftener in the history of the Northwestern plains; no other is so indelibly written into the meager records of… — Frank Bird Linderman Copy Share Image
