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The Archaeology of Absaloka Mine: Discovering an Ancient Bone Bed and Projectile Points



What is Abzalofka? A Brief Introduction




Abzalofka is a term that refers to a Native American tribe that lives primarily in southern Montana. They are also known as the Crow, Absaroka, or Apsáalooke. They have a rich and diverse history and culture that spans from their ancestral origins near Lake Erie to their current reservation in the Yellowstone River valley. They have faced many challenges and opportunities throughout their existence, and they continue to preserve and promote their identity and interests in the modern world.




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The Origin and Meaning of Abzalofka




The Crow People and Their Language




The Abzalofka are a Plains tribe that speak the Crow language, which is part of the Missouri River Valley branch of Siouan languages. The Crow language is one of the few Native American languages that has a large number of speakers, estimated at 3,000 in 2007. The Crow language has a complex grammar and phonology, with many sounds that are not found in English. For example, the word "Apsáalooke" has a glottal stop (a sound made by closing the vocal cords) between the first two syllables, and a voiced uvular fricative (a sound made by vibrating the back of the tongue near the uvula) at the end.


The Hidatsa Name for the Crow Tribe




The name "Abzalofka" comes from the Hidatsa name for the Crow tribe, which means "children of the large-beaked bird". The Hidatsa are a neighboring and related Siouan-speaking tribe that lived near Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. They gave this name to the Crow tribe because they observed that they used feathers from large birds, such as eagles, hawks, or ravens, to decorate their clothing and tipis. The identity of the bird that this name was meant to refer to originally is unknown, but some Abzalofka people believe it references the mythical Thunderbird, a powerful spirit that controls thunder, lightning, and rain.


The French Translation and the English Adaptation




The name "Abzalofka" was translated into French by European explorers and traders who encountered the Hidatsa and the Crow tribes in the 18th and 19th centuries. They rendered it as "gens du corbeau", which means "people of the crow". This name was then adapted into English as "Crow", which became the common name for the tribe among non-Native Americans. However, some Abzalofka people prefer to use their original name, or its spelling variations, such as Absaroka or Apsáalooke, to assert their cultural identity and autonomy.


The History and Culture of the Abzalofka




The Migration and Settlement of the Abzalofka




The Abzalofka have a long and complex history that involves migration, settlement, adaptation, and transformation. According to their oral traditions, they originated from a land near a large body of water, which is believed to be Lake Erie in what is now Ohio. They were driven from there by more powerful tribes, such as the The Alliance and Conflict with Other Tribes




The Abzalofka had a complex relationship with other tribes in the region, sometimes forming alliances and sometimes engaging in conflicts. They were generally friendly with the Shoshone, the Gros Ventre, and the Nez Perce, who shared their linguistic and cultural heritage. They also maintained peaceful trade relations with the Mandan, the Arikara, and the Hidatsa, who lived in permanent villages along the Missouri River. However, they were often at war with the Lakota (Sioux), the Cheyenne, the Arapaho, and the Blackfoot, who competed with them for hunting grounds and resources. The Abzalofka were fierce warriors who defended their territory and raided their enemies for horses and captives. They also participated in intertribal ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance and the Grass Dance, where they exchanged gifts and performed rituals to ensure harmony and prosperity.


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The Religion and Society of the Abzalofka




The Abzalofka had a rich and diverse religion and society that reflected their connection to the natural world and their ancestral traditions. They believed in a supreme creator called Awaxaawee or Akbaatatdia, who was responsible for all life and creation. They also revered other spiritual beings, such as the Thunderbird, the Old Man Coyote, the Little People, and the Four Winds. They practiced various ceremonies and rituals to honor these spirits and to seek their guidance and protection. Some of these ceremonies included the Tobacco Planting Ceremony, the Medicine Lodge Ceremony, the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, and the Vision Quest. The Abzalofka also had a complex social organization that was based on kinship, clan affiliation, age, gender, and status. They lived in large camps that consisted of several extended families or clans. Each clan had its own name, emblem, leader, and responsibilities. The clans were divided into two groups: those who traced their descent from Awatixa (the Earth) and those who traced their descent from Awaxaawee (the Sky). The two groups intermarried and cooperated in various activities. The Abzalofka also had a system of social ranks that determined one's prestige and influence in the tribe. The highest rank was that of chief or akbaalia (literally "good man"), who was chosen based on his bravery, generosity, wisdom, and leadership skills. The chief was advised by a council of elders and warriors who represented different clans and interests. The chief was responsible for making decisions for the welfare of the tribe, such as when to move camp, where to hunt, how to deal with other tribes or outsiders, etc. The chief also led the tribe in war and peace negotiations. The next rank was that of warrior or bacheeitche (literally "man"), who was expected to defend the tribe from enemies and to raid other tribes for horses and captives. The warrior also had to perform acts of courage and honor to earn respect and recognition from his peers. The warrior could achieve fame by counting coup on his enemies, which involved touching them with a stick or a hand without killing them. The lowest rank was that of woman or isshitchiile (literally "female"), who was responsible for domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, gathering food, etc. The woman also had to bear children and raise them according to the tribal customs and values. The woman had some rights and privileges in the tribe, such as owning property, inheriting from her relatives, divorcing her husband if he mistreated her, etc. However, she was generally subordinate to her husband or father in matters of authority and decision-making. The Present and Future of the Abzalofka




The Crow Tribe of Montana and Its Reservation




Today, the Abzalofka people have a federally recognized tribe, the Crow Tribe of Montana, with an Indian reservation located in the south-central part of the state. The reservation covers about 2.2 million acres of land, which includes parts of Big Horn, Yellowstone, and Treasure counties. The reservation is home to about 7,900 enrolled tribal members, out of a total of 12,000. The tribal headquarters are located at Crow Agency, Montana. The tribe operates the Little Big Horn College, a two-year community college that offers academic and vocational programs. The tribe also has a tribal court system, a police department, a health clinic, a housing authority, and various social and cultural services. The tribe celebrates its history and culture through events such as the Crow Fair, an annual powwow and rodeo that attracts thousands of visitors every August.


The Absaloka Mine and Its Controversy




One of the main sources of income for the Crow Tribe is the Absaloka Mine, a surface coal mine that operates on the reservation. The mine is owned by Westmoreland Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Westmoreland Coal Company, and it employs about 150 workers, most of whom are tribal members. The mine produces sub-bituminous coal that is sold to power plants in the Midwest. The mine has been operating since 1974, and it has an estimated mine life until 2030. However, the mine has also been a source of controversy and conflict for the tribe and its neighbors. The mine has been accused of causing environmental damage, such as air and water pollution, land degradation, wildlife disturbance, and greenhouse gas emissions. The mine has also been opposed by some tribal members who claim that it violates their sacred lands and cultural heritage. The mine has also faced legal challenges from environmental groups and other tribes who argue that it threatens their health and rights.


The Reclamation and Preservation of the Abzalofka Heritage




In response to the challenges and opportunities facing the Abzalofka people in the present and future, some efforts have been made to reclaim and preserve their heritage and identity. For example, some tribal members have been involved in revitalizing the Crow language by teaching it to younger generations and developing educational materials and media. Some tribal members have also been engaged in restoring and protecting their ancestral sites and artifacts, such as the bone bed near the Absaloka Mine that contains evidence of ancient hunting practices. Some tribal members have also been advocating for their rights and interests in various forums and platforms, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Some tribal members have also been promoting their culture and values to the wider public through art, literature, music, film, and tourism.


Conclusion




The Abzalofka are a Native American tribe that have a long and rich history and culture that spans from their origins near Lake Erie to their current reservation in Montana. They have faced many hardships and changes throughout their existence, but they have also shown resilience and adaptation. They have maintained their identity and autonomy as a distinct people, while also interacting and influencing other tribes and cultures. They have contributed to the diversity and development of the region and the nation with their skills, knowledge, values, and spirit.


FAQs




What does Abzalofka mean?




Abzalofka is a term that comes from the Hidatsa name for the Crow tribe, which means "children of the large-beaked bird". It was translated into French as "gens du corbeau" (people of the crow) and then into English as "Crow". Some Abzalofka people prefer to use their original name or its variations to assert their cultural identity.


Where do the Abzalofka live?




The Abzalofka live primarily in southern Montana on their reservation that covers about 2.2 million acres of land. They also live in several major cities across the country.


What language do the Abzalofka speak?




The Abzalofka speak the Crow language, which is part of the Missouri River Valley branch of Siouan languages. It has a complex grammar and phonology with many sounds that are not found in English.


What are some of the traditions and ceremonies of the Abzalofka?




The Abzalofka have various traditions and ceremonies that reflect their connection to the natural world and their ancestral spirits. Some of these include the Tobacco Planting Ceremony, the Medicine Lodge Ceremony, the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, and the Vision Quest. They also participate in intertribal ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance and the Grass Dance, where they exchange gifts and perform rituals to ensure harmony and prosperity.


What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing the Abzalofka today?




The Abzalofka face many challenges and opportunities in the modern world, such as maintaining their sovereignty and rights, preserving their language and culture, protecting their environment and resources, developing their economy and education, and promoting their health and well-being. They also have to balance their traditional values and practices with their contemporary needs and aspirations.


How can I learn more about the Abzalofka?




There are many ways to learn more about the Abzalofka, such as visiting their reservation and attending their events, reading their books and articles, watching their films and documentaries, listening to their music and podcasts, following their social media and websites, and supporting their causes and organizations. You can also contact them directly and respectfully to ask questions and share your interests. 44f88ac181


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