The Blackfeet, a powerful and influential Indigenous nation of the North American Great Plains, possess a rich and complex spiritual tradition deeply interwoven with their understanding of the natural world. Their beliefs, passed down through generations via oral storytelling, ceremonies, and daily practices, center around a powerful Creator, a pantheon of lesser deities, and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living things. This article will delve into the core tenets of Blackfeet religion and spirituality, exploring their creation stories, key figures, rituals, and the enduring influence of these beliefs on their way of life.
Na’pi: The Old Man Creator
At the heart of Blackfeet cosmology lies Na’pi, often translated as "Old Man," the Creator figure. The name itself is imbued with layers of meaning. While sometimes loosely interpreted as "white," a closer linguistic examination reveals a more nuanced understanding. The Blackfeet word for white is "Ksik-si-num," whereas "a’pi," a component of Na’pi, describes the tint of the early morning light, the first glimmer of dawn appearing in the east. This dawn light isn’t a pure white; it possesses a subtle yellowish cast. Therefore, Na’pi can be interpreted as "dawn-light-color-man" or "man-yellowish-white," a description also reminiscent of the color of an old man’s hair.
Some Blackfeet traditions differentiate between Na’pi and the Sun, viewing Na’pi as a precursor, the one who brought the Sun, and indeed, the entire world, into existence. Na’pi’s character is multifaceted and often paradoxical. In creation narratives, he is portrayed with reverence and solemnity. However, in other tales, he exhibits a playful, even mischievous side. He can be powerful yet impotent, wise yet foolish, compassionate yet spiteful. This complex character embodies the duality of existence, the interplay of opposing forces that shape the world.
Na’pi’s stories are widespread among Algonquian-speaking tribes, including the Cree and Chippewa, under various names. These shared narratives reflect a common ancestral heritage and a deep understanding of the human condition. According to Blackfeet tradition, Na’pi departed long ago, vanishing into the western mountains. Before his departure, he promised to always care for his people and to one day return. This promise remains a source of hope and faith for many Blackfeet, who believe that Na’pi will return, bringing back the buffalo, which they believe has been hidden by the white man. Yet, some versions of the story also foretell that upon his return, he will find his people transformed, living a life drastically different from the one they knew before. It is also sometimes said that he journeyed East instead of West.
Natos: The Sun and Supreme Power
While Na’pi holds a significant place in Blackfeet Blackfeet religion and spirituality, it is generally believed that Natos, the Sun, has become the principal divine figure. Some believe that Natos is simply another name for Na’pi, with the Sun being the person they call Old Man. Whether distinct or synonymous, Natos is revered as the supreme chief of the world. The earth itself is considered his home, the flat, circular land being the floor of his lodge, and the sky its overarching covering.
The Moon, known as Ko-ko-mik-e-is (Night Light), is Natos’ wife. Together, they had many children, but all except one were killed by pelicans. The surviving child is A-pi-su-ahts, the Morning Star, who heralds the dawn.
In contrast to the sometimes unpredictable nature of Na’pi, Natos is consistently portrayed as a benevolent and wise figure, kind to those who act righteously. To earn his favor, sacrifices are made, often in the form of clothing, fine robes, or furs. In times of great need, when life itself is at stake, individuals may offer a finger or a lock of hair as a testament to their devotion.
Creation Accounts and the Origin of the People
The Blackfeet Blackfeet religion and spirituality encompasses various creation accounts, each offering a unique perspective on the origin of the world and its inhabitants. One account speaks of a primordial womb containing the progenitors of all animals, including Na’pi. As the time for their birth approached, the animals quarreled over who would be born first. In a fierce struggle, the womb burst, and Na’pi emerged first. This event led him to name all the animals "Nis-kum-iks" (Young Brothers), and they, in turn, called him Old Man, recognizing his status as the first-born.
Other creation stories detail Na’pi’s creation of the people. One version suggests that he married a female dog, and their offspring were the first humans. Other narratives, as mentioned earlier, are woven into the tales of Na’pi’s adventures and interactions with the world.
Rituals and Sacrifices
Sacrifice plays a crucial role in Blackfeet Blackfeet religion and spirituality. When a white buffalo was killed, its robe was always offered to the Sun, as it was considered his property. The tongue of the buffalo, regarded as the most delicious part, was also considered sacred to the Sun. The annual Medicine Lodge ceremony, a central religious event, involves significant personal sacrifice and endurance. The suffering endured during this ceremony is seen as a sacrifice to the Sun, a penance undertaken to please the divine and fulfill vows made to him. This act of self-sacrifice is not unique to the Blackfeet; it echoes similar practices found in various cultures throughout history, where individuals engage in self-denial and penance as a means of connecting with the divine.
Daily prayers are offered to both the Sun and Na’pi, and no important undertaking is commenced without seeking divine guidance.
The Medicine Lodge Ceremony
The Medicine Lodge ceremony stands as the most significant religious event of the year for the Blackfeet. This is a sacrifice, which is invariably offered by women.
Other Deities and Spiritual Entities
Beyond the Sun and Old Man, the Blackfeet pantheon includes a number of lesser deities and personified natural forces. These entities are categorized as Above Persons, Ground Persons, and Under Water Persons.
-
Above Persons: Thunder is a prominent Above Person, worshipped as the bringer of rain. He is sometimes represented as a bird or, more abstractly, as a powerful and fearsome figure.
-
Under Water Persons: Wind Maker is an example of an Under Water Person. Some believe he resides beneath the water at the head of the Upper St. Mary’s Lake. When he desires the wind to blow, he stirs the waves, and these waves, in turn, generate the wind. Offerings are sometimes thrown into the Missouri River, not as direct tributes to the river itself, but as gifts for the Under Water People who dwell within it.
-
Ground Persons: The Ground Man is another below person. He lives under the ground, and perhaps typifies the power of the earth, which is highly respected by all Indians of the west. The Cheyennes also have a Ground Man whom they call The Lower One, or Below Person
Cold Maker (Ai-so-yim-stan) is the bringer of cold and snow. He is depicted as a white man with white hair, clad in white apparel, riding a white horse. He brings storms with him, and the Blackfeet pray to him to either bring or withhold the storm.
Certain individuals within the Sin-o-pah band of the I-kun-uh-kah-tsi were believed to possess the ability to influence the weather. In summer, they could summon a rainstorm by rubbing dirt and water on a kit-fox skin. In winter, they would rub snow and dirt on the skin to bring about a snowstorm.
Animal Powers and Sacred Places
Many animals are regarded as embodiments of wisdom and skill. While not deities themselves, they possess power, perhaps granted by the Sun or Na’pi. These animal powers play a significant role in Blackfeet Blackfeet religion and spirituality.
Certain places and inanimate objects are also considered sacred, and offerings are made to these sites.
Dreams and Visions
Dreams hold immense significance in Blackfeet culture. They are believed to be sent by the Sun, providing glimpses into the future. A particularly vivid dream is almost always heeded. If a dream portends bad luck for a member of a war party, even on the verge of attacking an enemy camp, the party is likely to turn back and abandon the attack.
The animal or object that appears in a dream to a person seeking power becomes their secret helper, their medicine, and is referred to as their dream (Nits-o-kan).
Enduring Legacy
The Blackfeet Blackfeet religion and spirituality remains a vital part of their cultural identity. While the influence of modern society and other religions has brought changes, the core beliefs and practices continue to be passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of this rich spiritual heritage. The stories of Na’pi, the reverence for the Sun, the importance of sacrifice, and the connection to the natural world continue to shape the Blackfeet worldview and guide their way of life.