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Photographer: William J. Toman
Taken: August 12, 2010
Caption: Related Marker at Tower Visitors Center
Additional Description: Hallowed Ground
To many Northern Plains Indians, the Black Hills and Devils Tower have long served both economic and sacred purposes. Prehistoric, historic, and contemporary uses including winter camps, sweatlodge ceremonies, hunting grounds, vision quests, and the powerful and poignant Sun Dance, are well documented. Devils Tower is specifically identified in the oral histories of a number of Northern Plains tribes and encoded in the spiritual narratives.

Ceremonies performed here require privacy and solitude. Visitors are requested not to interfere with those involved in ceremonial activities nor remove offerings such as prayer cloths and bundles.

Photo caption:Prayer cloths and bundles are offerings of colorful fabric, often containing sacred tobacco, sweet grass and cedar.
Submitted: August 12, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Database Locator Identification Number: p122244
File Size: 3.344 Megabytes

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