Military Societies - Bands of picked warriors of the Plains tribes.  These war groups usually took their names from animals, and each society had its own dances, songs, costumes, and insignia.  At all tribal meeting, ceremonial hunts, or war expeditions they assumed charge and were not only participants, but police and guards as well.

The Dog Soldiers among the Cheyenne were considered among the bravest of the warrior bands, and won such a reputation that all societies of other tribes became known to the white man by this name.  But these societies are believed to have started among the Crow Indians, who had from four to twelve warriors groups.  The Kiowa had six, including one known as the Rabbits, composed of boys from ten to twelve, who were trained in the future duties of warriors.  The Rabbits had a dance that resembled the hop of the rabbit.
 

Related Information within this Site
[ Cheyenne ][ Dog Soldier ]
[ Kiowa ][ Lance ][ Secret Societies ]