7. Rituals and Symbolism in Warfare
Warfare among Native American tribes was rich with rituals and symbolism. Among Plains peoples, practices like counting coup—earning honor by bravely touching an enemy rather than killing—demonstrated immense courage and prestige. Ceremonies, regalia, and war stories reinforced these traditions, making battle as much about honor and identity as conquest. Explore the meaning of counting coup at National Park Service: Counting Coup.
