A Glimpse at Zuni and Wind River Shoshoni

In this essay, I have attempted to acquaint the reader with rituals, religious beliefs, and ways of life of Zuni and Wind River Shoshoni. I have also provided contrast of the two different ways of life in the following paragraphs.

The tribes of Shoshoni date back for hundreds of years. All Shoshoni tribes were located in the Great Plains and were divided into two tribes: the Northern and Western. The tribes lived a simple, unspoiled life as a hunter in the plains. They hunted small animals and gathering roots and berries to eat. Their homes usually made of branches, animal skins or bars. The Shoshoni had a quiet, peaceful life, which had remained untouched lived.

The Shoshoni had to live a relatively difficult time in the Great Plains. One of the most important was struggle to find food for the tribe. It is said that they tried to hunt buffalo, deer, and elk and even though it was hard to come by. If they did successfully capture big game they buy usually trade to the necessary elements from other tribes (Benedict, pp.189).

Religion was a big part of Shoshoni life. They believed in reincarnation and the practice of sutteism. The most important were sprits mugua, spirit, and the sun, which is also known as the Great Spirit. The spiritual leader was said to possess special powers and a prophet, as the medicine-man must be known. The main lead in the trunk was in the chief. Except that the Shoshoni were said more family involved. Within the family, they set specific roles for each member of the family; both men and women took duty to participate in daring hunting trips, men and women helped in various aspects of life. The Shoshoni Indians had invented a way of ...