Role of Men
The Blackfeet men had a dangerous responsibility that involves hunting as well as protecting their territory, women and children. They would teach their sons how to ride and care for the horses and would need to be aware of everything in their surrounding environment (King, 2010, p. 19).
Image 1
“Men were the most mobile members of society. As hunters, they followed the migratory buffalo and elusive deer and elk. As protectors, they continually patrolled the areas surrounding the camps. Status and recognition came quickly to those who were the best hunters and bravest warriors. Death too could come quickly” (The Blackfoot Gallery Committee, 2001, p. 25).
Role of Women
The primary roles on the Blackfeet women were focused on tasks within the camp. Some of their responsibilities include, nurturing the children, caring for the sacred bundles, making moki-maani (pemmican), tanning hides, making clothes, tipi covers and keeping the band fed, clothed and sheltered (The Blackfeet Gallery Committee, 2001, p. 26).
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A skill the women prided themselves in and would teach their daughters involved tanning the hide after skilling the animal and carving the meat. Next, they would stretch the hide to the ground and hold it in place with pegs. They would then scrape off the flesh, and wash and treat it several times including rubbing the hide with the cooked brains of the bison (King, 2010, p. 22). The women would make clothes, moccasins, drums and shields with the finished tanned hide.
Roles of the Blackfeet Children
Blackfeet girls and boys had many responsibilities within the camp. The girls primarily helped their mothers cook and prepare the buffalo hides. Similarly, they helped to gather wild plants and berries that would be used for food. (Gibson, 2003, p. 17).
Image 3
Blackfeet boys learned how to ride horses and hunt from their father. They learned how to select the best wood to make a bow as well as a perfectly straight branch for an arrow.
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