Ghost Dance

Definition

The Ghost Dance is a spiritual movement that emerged among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, characterized by a belief that performing a specific dance would bring about the restoration of Native lands and the resurrection of deceased ancestors. This movement was a response to the cultural upheaval and social disintegration caused by European colonization, reflecting a longing for a return to pre-colonial ways of life and unity among tribes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ghost Dance movement gained significant attention during the late 1880s and early 1890s, particularly among Plains tribes such as the Lakota Sioux.
2. Participants believed that through the Ghost Dance, they could invoke a peaceful coexistence with settlers and the return of buffalo herds to their lands.
3. The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance with suspicion and fear, leading to increased military presence and ultimately the tragic Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, where many Lakota were killed.
4. The dance was characterized by specific rituals, music, and dances, which were seen as a form of resistance against oppression and a means of reconnecting with spiritual ancestors.
5. The Ghost Dance has been interpreted as both a religious movement and a political statement reflecting deep despair over loss of land, culture, and autonomy among Native American peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the Ghost Dance movement serve as both a spiritual expression and a form of resistance for Native American communities?
  • The Ghost Dance movement acted as a spiritual expression by allowing Native Americans to seek solace in their traditions and beliefs during a time of turmoil. It served as a form of resistance against colonization by promoting unity among tribes and advocating for the restoration of their lands and cultures. The rituals performed during the dance embodied hopes for revitalization and peace, showcasing how spirituality intertwined with political aspirations for Indigenous peoples.
• Discuss the impact of Wovoka's vision on the spread of the Ghost Dance movement across various Native American tribes.
  • Wovoka's vision significantly impacted the spread of the Ghost Dance movement as he inspired tribes across North America with his message of renewal and unity. His teachings encouraged diverse tribes to adopt the dance as a way to reclaim their identity and resist oppression. The movement became a unifying force among tribes who sought common ground in their struggles against colonial powers, reflecting Wovoka's influence on cultural revitalization efforts.
• Evaluate the consequences of the U.S. government's response to the Ghost Dance movement, particularly regarding its treatment of Native American communities.
  • The U.S. government's response to the Ghost Dance movement had severe consequences for Native American communities, primarily marked by mistrust and violence. The government viewed the dance as a threat, leading to militarization and confrontations, such as the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, which resulted in significant loss of life among Lakota Sioux. This reaction not only intensified feelings of fear and oppression but also highlighted systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, further entrenching cultural trauma and disruption in their communities.

Related terms

Wovoka: A Northern Paiute prophet who is credited with initiating the Ghost Dance movement after experiencing a vision that promised the revival of Native cultures and the reunification of tribes.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and European settlers or the U.S. government, largely occurring in the 19th century, that resulted in significant loss of land and cultural disintegration for Native peoples.

Cultural Revitalization: Efforts made by Indigenous peoples to restore their traditional practices, beliefs, and identities in response to colonial pressures and assimilation policies.