Gros Ventre Stories, continued.
PAINTED TIPIS
Information given by Katie Long Horse of the Gros Ventre peoples as recounted to her by her mother-in-law Singing Voice
Painted tipis were common among the Plains tribes. They were very special lodges that were owned by medicine people and spiritual warriors. They were of all colors and designs each being the sacred design and colors of that particular spiritual leader. They were passed from father to son and always stayed in that clan or tribe. Many of these tipis existed among the Gros Ventre and always followed a pattern as follows:
At the bottom of the tipi, there was always an encircling band of dark color representing “Mother Earth”. Within this band is a row pf discs or circles called “Dusty Stars”, these represent meteors that have fallen to the earth from the sky. There is a row of rounded or sharp projections representing mountain ridges or peaks. Upon the broad central part of the tipi is the design of an animal, bird, sacred rock or thunder trails which gives the lodge its protective power or its owner’s sacred medicine. At the top around the ears of flaps a broad circle of black is used to represent the night sky. The sun and crescent moon are often painted on top as well as the Seven Sisters (Big Dipper) and the Lost Children (Great Bear Constellation).
The cross on top of the tipi represented the “Morning Star”. This cross also represents the butterfly or sleep bringer who is believed to have great power in bringing dreams to the owner.
These tipis were always painted the same no matter what and everyone had respect for these tipis and never copied each other’s tipi.
GROS VENTRE ELDERS MEETING
March 24th, 1982
Hays, MT
Stories are courtesy of Morris "Davy" Belgard, Hays, Montana
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