Table of Contents
What will bring us peace? Many
often ask. For the Comanche of Native America, their belief and adulation of
calumet is a trait our world should consider and if necessary, adopt moving
forward. In this piece, a brief description of the Comanche people will guide
us through examining why calumet is important in their society and tradition. It
must be stated that calumet is not a tradition solely practised by the
Comanche. Like most Native American tribes, they consider not only the
symbolism of the calumet, but also its efficacy in uniting tribes, and warring
people, or even can be a safe passage for an enemy if carried as an olive
branch.
Comanche: Who are they?
The name Comanche comes from
the word ‘Ute’ which means “anyone who fights the other all the time.” The word
can also mean “the enemy.” For the Comanches, they call themselves “Nermurnuh”
meaning the "true humans" or “the people.” The Comanches are known
for their bravery and equestrian prowess. As legend has it, they fought off
many Native Indian tribes as well as the European settlers in the Great Plains.
Their being in contact with European settlers, especially the Spanish became the
reason why they were skilled in horse riding, horse breeding and fighting on horseback.
The Comanches made their homes
on the Great Plains which include Southwest Oklahoma, Texas, California, and
New Mexico. Previously, the Comanches were part of the Wyoming Shoshone, but
their belligerent way of life helped force them to the south as they pillaged
and defeated other tribes and people (the Mexicans, the Spanish, and the
Americans) on their way. Their notoriety on battlefields was obnoxious that the
defeated in battlefields were shamed and some parts of their bodies, such as
scalps were taken as trophies.
Different Bands of the Comanches
The Comanches are divided into
5 big bands:
- Yamparika – they are the "root eaters”
whose principal chief was Ten Bears (Parrawasamen) [1860-72].
- Kotsoteka – they are the “buffalo eaters” whose
principal chief was Mow-way (1825-1886).
- Penateka – they are “honey eaters” whose general
leader was Tosahwi, meaning the “White Knife” (1805/10-1878/80). He was regarded
as a man of peace.
- Nokoni – they are “those who turn back” whose commander
in chief was Kiyou, meaning “Horseback” (1805/1810-1888).
- Quahadis – the “antelopes” whose last chief was
Quanah Parker (1845-1911). He was notable for his resistance to the European
settlers.
As warriors, the Comanches were
formidable groups in battles. As confident and accomplished horse riders, their
conquests of different tribes and people were threats to those around them. Hence,
the relevance and symbolism of the calumet.
Calumet: Peace-making and diplomatic object
The calumet is embedded in a
ceremony among Native Americans as a means of trading between different bands or
between tribes for food and other needs. The calumet is a “peace pipe” that can
be used to communicate with the spirits through chanting, praying and puffing
of smoke. The word “calumet” can be said to be an old French term, “chalemel”
which means “reed.”
As noted by a French
missionary, Father Jacques Marquette, the calumet had two usages: one type of
calumet serves for war purposes and the other serves for peace purposes. So,
the calumet can be a symbol of peace and a symbol of conquest. As such, one type
can be an object of peace and diplomacy and the other type can be an object of religious
services in war times.
The calumet is said to be made
from hollow cane with an estimated length of 2 feet. It’s decorated with the long,
beautiful feathers of birds, as well as the heads or necks of some birds. The
calumet pipe bowls can be fashioned from a red stone or pipestone located in
the Pipestone Quarry in Southwestern Minnesota. The stem so made from hollow cane
is made to fit the bowl. The calumet is used to smoke tobacco as a way of
making offerings to the spirits.
Arguably, the warring
communities of the Comanche might have adopted the calumet as an object of establishing
peace among themselves, hence it is called the “Peace Pipe.” During the calumet
ceremony, great things happen. Once the Peace Pipe is introduced, the people though
different and unrelated become one people, one family. They make exchanges of gifts,
as well as exchanges between men and women from different tribes. In that
ceremony, men and women from different bands are allowed to associate with and
even court one another.
Not minding the tactlessness
of the Comanches, hence their rampant battles with their neighbours and European
settlers, the calumet at a time was seen by outsiders as a tool for unsolicited
negotiation of safety. Hence, the calumet guarantees even people who are mortal
enemies the assurance that they are safe especially when they carry the
calumets. The power and influence of the calumet pushed the European settlers
to adopt the habit of smoking pipes as a way of acknowledging and recognising
the people’s culture and submitting to their protégé.
The calumet can be said to be a tool used for prayers, to placate and communicate with the spirits. It can also be considered an object of peace and diplomacy. Whichever way the calumet is understood, it is an ordinary man-made object that is associated with religious meaning and significance not only to the Comanches and Native Americans but also to European settlers.
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