Drawing with Great Needles

This scholarly work investigates the cultural importance of tattooing among Native Americans in the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains, as explored in Drawing with Great Needles.

The book Drawing with Great Needles presents a comprehensive study of the history and cultural significance of Native American tattooing in the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains. Leading experts delve into how tattooing has been a vital aspect of identity construction for individuals, reflecting their societal roles and connections to the cosmos for thousands of years. This physical act served not only as a rite of passage but also as a means of group identity formation, with ancestral tattoo bundles playing a crucial role in these traditions.

Throughout the pages of Drawing with Great Needles, the authors explore the profound meanings behind the symbols and imagery that were inscribed on the skin. These tattoos held significant social, civil, military, and ritual connotations within Native American cultures, yet they have often been overlooked in scholarly discourse. The contributors highlight the importance of recognizing these tattooed symbols alongside other artistic expressions found in pottery, shell, and stone artifacts.

Employing a variety of methodologies, including ethnohistorical and ethnographic analyses, the book sheds light on the diverse tattoo traditions among Native American communities, particularly the Dhegiha Sioux and other Native speakers. By examining tattooing through the lens of ancient art, archaeological evidence, and historic portraiture, Drawing with Great Needles enriches our understanding of the complexities of ancient and early historic Native American societies.