Plains Indian Health Traditional Healing and Western Medicine University of Pennsylvania Museum exhibition at the Jonathan Rhoads Pavilion in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania through November 1998

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Medicine, "I-tana-ti-pa-zi-hu-ta" Menstrual Root Fort Peck, Montana Yankton Sioux collected in 1900 37631 Most likely used to ease menstrual pain. Medicine, "Psa-pi-pa-zi-hu-ta" Sneeze Root Fort Peck, Montana Yankton Sioux collected in 1900 37632 According to Plains tradition, sneezing is sometimes believed to cleanse the body of certain ailments and specific medicines have occasionally been inhaled to induce sneezing. Smoking Mixture or Medicine Canadian River, Oklahoma Arapaho early 20th century L-84-2061-2063

Herbs and plants are commonly used to help heal the sick and to protect against harm among the cultures of the Great Plains. These mixtures can be taken orally, applied topically, or smoked. They are also burned in purification ceremonies.

Drum Red River, Manitoba Cree late 19th century L-84-2375 Drums, music, song, and dance remain widespread among Plains cultures. Drums are played during religious ceremonies, celebrations, and healing rituals and are seen as an important presence in the treatment of the sick. Rattle Great Plains early 20th century 59-14-62 The percussive sound of the rattle provides a musical context for traditional Plains Indian religious and healing ceremonies.

Tobacco Bags Sioux late 19th century NA 9228 [left] 45-15-898 [right] Tobacco bags such as these are used to store mixtures of herbs and tobacco. Using a ceremonial pipe, these mixtures are often smoked to maintain health and to aid in traditional healing ceremonies. The pipe is considered by most native Plains peoples to be the central symbol of Plains Indian religion. Because the pipe is considered sacred, many Plains Indians believe that it does not belong in a public exhibition, and for this reason it is absent from this display.

Fertility Charm South Dakota Sioux late 19th century L-84-1022 This charm, in lizard form, is made from buckskin, beads, and horsehair. Charms such as this are often used to encourage fertility and to help ensure safety in childbirth. This particular charm is thought to have been made for a male infant. According to the Sioux people, the lizard is fast and elusive, good traits for a male warrior and protector to have.

Plains Indian Health