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Waniyetu Wowapi (winter count)

By Steven Rokusek

Published June 17, 2020 at 4:05 PM CDT

Winter scene, with snow and trees - South Dakota

Waniyetu Wowapi (winter count)

A winter count is a pictographic record of historical/memorable events for a tiospaye (community). The winter count, used by many Plains Indians, is a method of preserving history. Important events are recorded for future generations. The pictures, which are used as mnemonic devices, are arranged in chronological order.

Photo of Lone Dog's winter count on hide. — The Lone Dog Winter Count, Smithsonian Institution

Originally, the memorable events were recorded on rock (many paintings found on cave walls, canyons, and mountains throughout the Great Plains), on buffalo hide, deer hide, cow hide, and then ledger paper and muslin (cotton fabric). Natural dyes were used by the keeper to draw the images. The dyes used to record the images also changed over time. Berries, clay, plants, roots, and buffalo gall (liver bile), blood, and stomach contents were a few of the materials used to draw the images.

Each tiospaye designates a winter count keeper. (Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University, explains how the keeper is selected.)

Selecting a Keeper of the Winter Count

The keeper (traditionally a man) of the winter count is the historian for the community. Elders gather and consult with the keeper to select the most important event of the year (first snow to first snow.)

Winter count drawing of eight small children in a schoolhouse. — Winter Count Image, Smithsonian Institution

The keeper then draws the image on the winter count to represent the event. The images on the winter count are used as a reminder/aid to help the keeper remember the events. The keeper (oral historian for the tiospaye) then explains the events in detail. The keeper is responsible for providing an oral account of the images drawn. The winter count keeper Rosebud drew the image above in 1880-1881. The image depicts when children were first sent to school.

Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University, explains how an event is/was selected for a winter count.

How an event is/was Selected for a Winter Count

Related Video

Native American Winter Counts (PreK - Elementary) Learn about Native American winter counts in South Dakota and complete an interesting activity. This video is part of Activity Starters, which is an animated video series. In each episode an animated character introduces a concept and an activity.

Winter Count (Waniyetu Wowapi)

Winter Count (Waniyetu Wowapi) A song written and performed by Scott Simpson, inspired by the Winter Counts of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate and those Elders who are the keepers of the things that must always be remembered.