![[Photo]](Ghost-111-sc-87767.jpg) |
Arapaho Ghost Dance. Wovoka (ca. 1856-1932), a prophet of the Paiute tribe in Nevada, gave birth to the Ghost Dance that became popular with the the Arapahos, the Sioux, and other Plains Indians in the late 1880s. He forecast a resurrection characterized by the removal of the whites, the return of abundant buffalo and game, a reunion with the Indians who had died, the absence of disease, and the start of eternal life. The dance, which was to be performed over five days every six weeks, was the Plains Indians' last hope of returning to the life and freedom they once knew. In 1916 and 1917 Wovaka came to Oklahoma to visit and administer to the Cheyenne and Arapaho. [Artwork based on photographs of James Mooney. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration. Caption revised 7/29/03] |