Osage Traditions

"Osage Traditions" by James Owen Dorsey is a historical record from the 1800s that presents the detailed customs and worldview of the Osage people. The book emphasizes secret groups and spoken stories that hold the community's history and core beliefs. Beginning with a visit to the tribe in Indian Territory, the author describes learning about a hidden group responsible for safeguarding tribal traditions. Through stories shared by tribal members, including one called Ha"d"a-{~LATIN SMALL LETTER OPEN O~}ü{~LATIN SMALL LETTER TURNED T~}se, the book presents ideas of creation, identity, and the Osage’s spiritual ties to nature and ancestors. The beginning points to complicated stories involving human-like and celestial entities as the Osage seek a connection to the spiritual and origins in celestial locations, underlining the importance of storytelling in their culture.