The Function of Ceremonial Sexual Intercourse Among the Northern Plains Indians
- 1 May 1970
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Plains Anthropologist
- Vol. 15 (48) , 99-103
- https://doi.org/10.1080/2052546.1970.11908584
Abstract
Sexual intimacy as a means of transferring spiritual power appears to have been a Mandan-Hidatsa ceremonial trait borrowed by three Algonkian Plains tribes as part of the graded men’s societies complex. The Algonkian tribes modified the rite, which in the village tribes emphasized the role of father’s clan. The Arapaho emphasized the cosmic symbolism of the rite, the Atsina made it a test of self-discipline, and the Blackfoot stressed the dangerous power commanded by those who performed it. These modifications parallel the differences in kinship structure between village and nomadic Plains tribes discussed by Eggan.Keywords
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