Knife River Indian Villages -- Earthlodge

Knife River Earthlodge Virtual Tour

Shrine with buffalo skull
NPS Photograph

Shrine

Shrines were considered sacred areas. It was usually a small framed structure about 5 feet tall, 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Ceremonial medicine bundles were kept in the shrine and tended to by men who were designated as the caretakers. The shrine was usually covered with buffalo hides or trade blankets so no one could see the sacred bundles. Out of respect for the spirits believed to live there, no one commonly walked in front of the shrine.

Parfleche,

Storage Platform,

War Shield,

Lances,

War Club,

Bedding Unit,

Hoop & Stick Game,

Ball & Stick Game,

Storage Swing,

Shrine

See the cache pit area of the earthlodge.

Restart Tour | Place of Honor | Living Area | Cache Pit | Knife River Welcome