Christian Themes in Pre-Christian Lakota Religion: Seeking the Sacred in the Footsteps of Nicholas Black Elk

Abstract

Abstract: The sacred pipe is the best-known religious artifact associated with Native North America. It is used for smoking tobacco in diverse contexts, whether in groups or alone, as an instrument of prayer (although leisure smoking is also common). Oral traditions from many Indian nations tell how pipes came to their people. A well-known origin story was popularized globally via biographies of the inspirational Nicholas Black Elk, a holy man of the Lakota (Sioux). His people's account parallels Christian tradition and theology, which coalesced for the author when he received access to what many Sioux believe is the original sacred pipe.