Description
Like other members of the Dhegiha—the Omaha, Ponca, Kansa, and Quapaw—the Osage migrated westward from the Atlantic coast, settling first in the Piedmont Plateau between the James and Savannah rivers in the present states of Virginia and the Carolinas. After a time they moved to the Ozark Plateau and the prairies of what is now western Missouri. At this point the five tribes separated, with the Osage remaining in villages on the Osage River, where Jacques Marquette recorded their location in 1673.
Language
The Dhegiha Sioux were a group of tribes speaking Siouan languages and living in the Central Plains.
Culture
These peoples were both hunters and farmers who grew corn. Tatoos, facial and body painting were common markings of the Plains Warriors and considered protective virtues. It was also used for visual intimidation of enemies. Often the horses were also decorated to reflect his riders' bravery and exploits. Family-oriented, nomadic people who spoke the Dakota language and believed in Wakan Tanka, the one god. As nomads, the Sioux Indians roamed the Great Plains, following buffalo herds and using dogs to haul their belongings. Buffalo were the Sioux's main source of food and clothing. Tepees were used during the hunting season. Osage life centred on religious ceremonials in which clans were divided into symbolic sky and earth groups, with the latter further subdivided to represent dry land and water.