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Scalping was not confined to the Americas; it is said that the ancient Scythians practised scalping during the 5th century BC.

In North America there is evidence for Palaeo-Indians practising the scalping of defeated enemies long before contact with Europeans. A site dating to around 1325 AD in central South Dakota produced almost 500 skeletons with damaged skulls typical of the cut-marks produced during scalping.

Scalping appears to have been widespread in prehistoric and early historic North America (including Canada), but no doubt there were several different motives behind it. Some groups saw the hair on the crown of the head as the source of an individual's spiritual power, so removing that power reduced the spirit's abilities in the next life. Some groups scalped in order to count a "coup" against an enemy; others simply used the scalp as solid evidence of an enemy killed.

Among the Crows of Montana, scalping was in this latter category - there was no honour of any kind attached to taking a scalp (as there was in taking away an enemy's gun, shield, horse or bow). The scalp of a dead enemy might be cut into several small pieces and taken back by the war party to the family of a Crow warrior killed earlier in battle, as a token of revenge and a cause for celebration. The women of the Crow camp would attach the pieces of scalp to long poles and "dance the scalps" in celebration; the pieces might later be attached to tipi poles, shields, clothing and so on.

White influence encouraged the taking of scalps for payment, but this was simply exploiting an existing practice among the natives.

The link below takes you to a study of prehistoric scalping evidence in North America:

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What group of people were known for scalping?

There have been several people groups that have been associated with the act of scalping most notably the native Americans. Several other groups like the Scytians and the Visigoths practiced scalping.


When did scalping start?

The first historical evidence of "Scalping" comes from a Greek Historical document written in 440 B.C., Herodotus writes of the Scythian's scalping their opponents in battle. Some historians claim that there is evidence of Native American's scalping others around the 14th century, these claims are disputed and if true were very limited in practice. This conduct became a widespread practice when settlers from Europe began paying a bounty for scalps during Drummers War (1721). Indian scalps were paid a bounty of 100 pounds sterling (or approximately $20,000.00 adjusted modern US Dollars). Extensive evidence exists that any dark haired person, including many Europeans, were subject to scalping.


Why did Indians use scalping?

Scalping was very useful in the winter months, as the native Americans were able to use the skin as a pubic insulator to stop their balls from dropping off.


Who started scalping first the white people or Native Americans?

Scalping has a complex history, and both Native Americans and European settlers practiced it at different times for various reasons. Native American tribes engaged in scalping long before European contact, often as a means of warfare and to claim victory over enemies. However, the practice became more widespread and commercially driven among white settlers during colonial conflicts, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Thus, while Native Americans had their own traditions of scalping, European settlers adapted and escalated the practice in a different context.


Was Earth-diver stories part of the Native American standard oral tradition?

Yes, but scalping stories are not

Related Questions

How was scalping done?

Scalping is done by tearing or cutting a part of the scalp along with hair from the enemy's head.


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Where did scalping of heads originate?

The Dutch brought scalping practices with them when they colonized. It is a Dutch Tradition to scalp human beings.


What group of people were known for scalping?

There have been several people groups that have been associated with the act of scalping most notably the native Americans. Several other groups like the Scytians and the Visigoths practiced scalping.


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When did scalping start?

The first historical evidence of "Scalping" comes from a Greek Historical document written in 440 B.C., Herodotus writes of the Scythian's scalping their opponents in battle. Some historians claim that there is evidence of Native American's scalping others around the 14th century, these claims are disputed and if true were very limited in practice. This conduct became a widespread practice when settlers from Europe began paying a bounty for scalps during Drummers War (1721). Indian scalps were paid a bounty of 100 pounds sterling (or approximately $20,000.00 adjusted modern US Dollars). Extensive evidence exists that any dark haired person, including many Europeans, were subject to scalping.


Did the Spanish introduce scalping?

The practice of scalping is often associated with Native American tribes, who engaged in it long before European contact. However, the Spanish did not introduce scalping; rather, they encountered it among various indigenous groups in the Americas. Some historical accounts suggest that Spanish colonizers may have adopted and adapted certain indigenous practices, but scalping itself was not a Spanish invention.


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Why did Indians use scalping?

Scalping was very useful in the winter months, as the native Americans were able to use the skin as a pubic insulator to stop their balls from dropping off.


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Who started scalping first the white people or Native Americans?

Scalping has a complex history, and both Native Americans and European settlers practiced it at different times for various reasons. Native American tribes engaged in scalping long before European contact, often as a means of warfare and to claim victory over enemies. However, the practice became more widespread and commercially driven among white settlers during colonial conflicts, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Thus, while Native Americans had their own traditions of scalping, European settlers adapted and escalated the practice in a different context.


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