Cheyenne and Arapaho Culture

Watch video

Historically the women of the camp had many responsibilities. They would go in groups to gather wood and roots early in the day, often their time for joking and laughing. They gathered sticks from the ground and broke dead branches off the trees in the forest. The wood was divided up, formed into bundles, and strapped on their backs. Buffalo meat became their main source of food. The women tanned hides into leather for ropes and horse gear and stitched several hides together for tipis. Robes, blankets, and moccasins were all made from the hide. Women had their own societies,as important to the culture as those of the men. The best known was Quillers' Society.

The men hunted game to provide the camp with food. The older men made bows, arrows, and pipes, while the young men spent time enhancing their personal appearance or listening to wise men. They would fast alone for four days in order to gain spiritual power. The chiefs were chosen for thier generosity, kindness, sympathy, and courage. The chiefs headed a council of respected men who met to settle disputes and make decisions affecting the whole tribe.