The Warrior Societies Of The Cheyenne

The Cheyenne, a prominent Plains Indian tribe, developed sophisticated military organizations known as “warrior societies” that were central to their social structure and survival. These societies functioned as both military units and social organizations with distinctive customs, regalia, and responsibilities.

The Cheyenne maintained six principal warrior societies:

1. Fox Warriors (Woksihitaneo): One of the oldest societies, known for their bravery and cunning tactics similar to foxes. Members wore fox skins and had distinctive face painting patterns of horizontal stripes.

2. Elk Warriors (Himoweyuhkis): Distinguished by their elk-hide capes and characteristic dance movements that mimicked elk behavior. They were known for their powerful medicine songs.

3. Shield Warriors (Mahohivas): Highly respected warriors who carried sacred shields. Their primary duty was protecting the camp, and they were known for their distinctive shield designs containing powerful protective symbols.

4. Dog Soldiers (Hotamétaneo'o): Perhaps the most renowned Cheyenne warrior society, famous for their exceptional bravery. They wore dog-rope sashes that could be staked to the ground as a pledge to fight to the death. During critical battles, Dog Soldiers served as a rear guard, protecting retreating tribal members.

5. Crazy Dogs (Hotamimasaw): Known for their unconventional and fearless fighting tactics. They sometimes rode backward into battle to confuse enemies and took extraordinary risks.

6. Bowstring Soldiers (Himatanohis): Carried sacred bowstring lances wrapped with medicine bundles. They were known for their discipline and organization in battle.

Each society maintained distinctive ceremonial songs, dances, and regalia that reinforced group identity. Membership typically ranged from 40 to 100 warriors per society, with warriors joining through invitation, demonstration of bravery, or spiritual calling.

Warrior societies fulfilled vital social functions beyond warfare. They maintained internal tribal discipline, supervised communal buffalo hunts, enforced tribal laws, and protected the village. During seasonal ceremonies, they performed sacred dances and rituals that honored warriors and renewed tribal spiritual power.

Leadership within these societies rotated periodically, with four principal chiefs and several lesser chiefs directing activities. Chiefs were selected based on demonstrated courage, wisdom, and generosity. Special medicine men often accompanied warrior societies to provide spiritual guidance and protective ceremonies before raids or battles.

The societies' influence extended into governance, as society leaders formed the Council of Forty-four, the tribe's primary governing body. This interconnection of military and civil authority ensured cohesive leadership.

After the U.S. government's forced reservation policy in the late 19th century, warrior societies adapted their roles toward cultural preservation rather than warfare. Today, while their military function has diminished, these societies continue as cultural institutions that preserve Cheyenne heritage, performing ceremonial dances at powwows and maintaining ancient songs and traditions that connect modern Cheyenne people to their warrior ancestors.

To learn more about the proud warrior tradition of the Cheyenne, check out our episode “Cheyenne Raiders vs. Comanche Warriors: The 1828 Battle Of Two Chiefs”

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