Sacred Bundles (American Indians Ready Reference)
Article abstract: Sacred bundles contain objects that represent the power or medicine of their owner; assembled under the guidance of spirit beings, they are used in ceremonies to assure the well-being of an individual, clan, or tribe
Sacred bundles were believed to have supernatural power to cure the sick, win the affections of another, get revenge on an enemy, gain possessions, or even assure long life for an individual or a whole tribe. Wrapped in the hide of a deer or the whole skin of an otter, some tribal bundles were large enough to hold hundreds of items, while personal bundles were often small enough to carry in one hand. (Although the use of sacred bundles is treated as historical here to emphasize their great importance in many traditional American Indian cultures, it is important to note that many practices involving sacred bundles still occur today.)
Sacred bundles required special care. They were considered to be “alive” with supernatural power. Some personal bundles were displayed in the owner’s lodge or hung outside the tipi, but the great tribal bundles were secluded from everyday view. Because of their magical quality they were surrounded with taboos. Bundles represented an important link with the past and supernatural beings and could be opened only under prescribed circumstances to benefit the person or the tribe.
Traditionally, a personal bundle was acquired through a vision quest. One...
(The entire section is 1099 words.)
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