The Pawnee Indians – Farmers on the Plains

The Pawnee, sometimes referred to as Paneassa, were a prominent Native American tribe historically inhabiting the fertile lands along the Platte River in what is now the state of Nebraska. Their name, "Pawnee," is believed to originate from the word "parika," meaning "horn." This term alluded to a distinctive practice of styling the scalp-lock, where hair was stiffened with paint and fat, causing it to stand erect and curved, resembling a horn. The Pawnee, however, identified themselves as "Chahiksichahiks," a term translating to "men of men," reflecting their sense of self-importance and cultural identity.

Distinguished by their Caddoan linguistic roots, the Pawnee occupied a unique position among the Plains Indians. Unlike many nomadic tribes, The Pawnee Indians – Farmers on the Plains favored a more sedentary lifestyle, establishing permanent villages and cultivating crops. Agriculture was initially their primary means of sustenance, with maize, beans, pumpkins, and squash forming the core of their diet. While the introduction of the horse eventually led them to incorporate buffalo hunting into their way of life, agriculture remained a vital and central aspect of their culture.

The Pawnee Confederacy was structured around four distinct bands, each playing a crucial role in the overall tribal dynamic. These bands were:

• The Chaui: Generally acknowledged as the leading band, the Chaui held a position of influence within the confederacy.
• The Kitkehahki: Known for their expertise in hunting and warfare.
• The Pitahauerat: Recognized for their spiritual knowledge and ceremonial practices.
• The Skidi: Notable for their unique dialect and independent spirit.

While the Chaui were often considered the foremost band, it is important to note that each band functioned autonomously, managing its own affairs. It was only with the increasing pressures from European settlers and neighboring tribes that the Pawnee began to forge closer alliances and operate with greater unity.

The Pawnee lived in impressive, large oval lodges constructed from sturdy posts, interwoven willow branches, grass, and earth. These lodges were remarkably spacious, often housing as many as 30 to 50 individuals. A typical Pawnee village consisted of approximately 10 to 15 of these dwellings, creating a tightly knit community.

Twice a year, the entire tribe would embark on organized buffalo hunts, a crucial activity for supplementing their agricultural produce and acquiring essential resources. Upon their return from these hunts, it was customary for the inhabitants of the lodges to move into different lodges, fostering a sense of communal living and resource sharing. However, these movements were generally confined within the boundaries of the village.

The Pawnee society was organized along matriarchal lines, with descent and inheritance traced through the mother’s lineage. This emphasis on the maternal line significantly influenced their social structure and kinship systems. When a young couple married, they traditionally moved into the bride’s parents’ lodge, further reinforcing the importance of the female lineage. Women played an active role in political life, although men typically held ultimate decision-making responsibilities. This balance reflected a society where both genders contributed to the well-being and governance of the community. The Pawnee Indians – Farmers on the Plains had a rich culture.

The Pawnee held deep spiritual beliefs, placing immense value on Sacred Bundles. These bundles formed the foundation of many religious ceremonies, designed to maintain the delicate balance of nature and foster a harmonious relationship with the gods and spirits. Unlike some other Plains tribes, the Pawnee were not followers of the Sun Dance. However, they were impacted by the Ghost Dance movement of the 1890s, a spiritual revival that swept through many Native American communities. The Pawnee associated the stars with deities and meticulously aligned their planting schedules with the positions of the stars, demonstrating their profound connection to the celestial world. Like many other tribal groups, they practiced the sacrifice of maize and other crops, offerings intended to appease the spirits and ensure bountiful harvests. The Pawnee Indians – Farmers on the Plains believed the stars were Gods.

Historical accounts also mention the practice of human sacrifice among the Pawnee, although it is believed to have ceased by the mid-18th century. One account describes a Lakota captive being tied to a tree and shot with arrows, purportedly the last instance of human sacrifice performed by the Pawnee.

The first recorded encounter between Europeans and the Pawnee occurred when Francisco Vásquez de Coronado visited the neighboring Wichita Indians in 1541. During this expedition, Coronado met a Pawnee chief from Harahey, a region located north of present-day Kansas or Nebraska. However, detailed information about the Pawnee remained scarce until the 17th and 18th centuries when successive expeditions by Spanish, French, and English settlers sought to expand their territories. During this period, Pawnee hunters witnessed horses for the first time, returning to their villages with tales of bizarre "man-beasts"—creatures with four legs, long tails, hairy faces, and clothing that shimmered like the sun on the water.

As Europeans expanded their reach, they engaged in trade with the Pawnee in present-day Kansas and Nebraska. The various Pawnee bands established alliances with different colonial powers, aligning themselves with those that best served their interests.

By the early 19th century, the Pawnee population was estimated to be between 10,000 and 12,000. In 1818, the Pawnee entered into the first of a series of treaties that would ultimately lead to land cessions and their placement on reservations in Nebraska in 1857 and Indian Territory (Oklahoma) in 1875. Despite the restrictive conditions of reservation life, the Pawnee diligently sought to preserve their tribal structure and traditions.

Faced with the harsh realities of reservation life and the erosion of their freedom and culture, many Pawnee men chose to join the U.S. cavalry as scouts. By 1900, Christianity had largely supplanted the Pawnee’s traditional religion. Smallpox, cholera, warfare, and the devastating conditions on the reservations had drastically reduced their numbers to a mere 600.

The Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936 marked a turning point, establishing the Pawnee Business Council, the Nasharo (Chiefs) Council, a tribal constitution, bylaws, and a charter. In 1964, an out-of-court settlement awarded the Pawnee Nation $7,316,096.55 as compensation for undervalued ceded land from the previous century. The Pawnee Indians – Farmers on the Plains struggled with the change in land and culture.

Today, the Pawnee continue to celebrate their vibrant culture. They gather twice a year for inter-tribal gatherings with their kinsmen, the Wichita Indians. A four-day Pawnee Indian Veterans Homecoming & Powwow is held annually in Pawnee, Oklahoma, each July. Many Pawnee return to their ancestral lands to visit relatives, showcase their crafts at shows, and participate in powwows. As of 2002, the Pawnee population numbered approximately 2,500, with the majority residing in Pawnee County, Oklahoma. The Pawnee Nation headquarters is located at 881 Little Dee Drive, P.O. Box 470, Pawnee, OK 74058. The phone number is 918-762-3621.