Cheyenne men were all warriors, it was instilled in them at a very young age to become a warrior was a great thing, bravery and courage would be admired by their people and stories, songs would be told about them through generations. To excel in battle was to bring glory, success, admiration to the village. Death during battle was seen as a type of glory, it was better to die young in battle than become old and dependable. The Cheyenne was all about war, they took many unnecessary risks and life became short. If Cheyenne warriors were killed or badly wounded through battle with enemy tribes, women around the village would encourage the young men to extract revenge on the enemy tribe who killed members of their family. Revenge gave the women comfort and relief. Sometimes the tribe would move camp and be closer to an enemy tribe and carry the sacred hat and medicine arrows.
In Cheyenne folklore these two revered items brought success in war and protection and prosperity in life. Sweet Medicine, Cheyenne prophet was said to have received these arrows and the sacred hat was given to Standing on the Ground. Folklore suggest that they were both in the sacred lodge of the Maiyan together and received these sacred items and given instructions. The medicine arrows represented various elements of life. There were two arrows that represented food “Buffalo arrows” as this is how food was accustomed (painted red on the arrow shafts) The two other arrows known as “man arrows” were regarded as war and success over enemies (painted black) The sacred hat represented the harmony and prosperity of camp. Food, shelter, health, fortune and harmony. The hat was for the women and the arrows for the men women were not allowed to touch or look at them.
The arrowhead seemed to be smaller and made of stone, but the arrow shaft was of similar to those of typical arrows. It was said that the shaft and arrowhead were originals from Sweet Medicine. Someone who had special standing in the tribe was appointed the keeper of these arrows, they had to be treated with the utmost respect with the tradition and ritual expressed by the prophet, Sweet Medicine.
Ceremony of the renewal of arrows was a very religious ceremony among the Cheyenne.
