Origin of the Name

The name "Pawnee" is believed to come from the word pariki, meaning "horn," a reference to the distinctive upright hairstyle worn by some Pawnee warriors. The Pawnee people call themselves Chahiksichahiks, meaning "men of men." Early European explorers and traders adapted this term into various forms, eventually settling on "Pawnee."

Range

The Pawnee originally lived along the Platte River in what is now Nebraska and northern Kansas. Their territory stretched across the Central Plains, where they established large earth-lodge villages near fertile river valleys. In the 19th century, they were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), where many of their descendants remain today.

Diet

The Pawnee were both farmers and hunters, practicing a mixed economy. They cultivated crops such as corn, beans, squash, and pumpkins in permanent villages during the spring and summer. In the fall, they organized communal buffalo hunts on the Great Plains, which provided meat, hides, and materials for clothing and tools. Other hunted game included elk, deer, and small mammals, while wild berries and roots supplemented their diet.

Home Type

The Pawnee lived in large, dome-shaped earth lodges made from wooden frames covered in layers of packed earth. These structures were durable, insulated, and could house several families. When on buffalo hunts, the Pawnee used portable tipis made of buffalo hides stretched over wooden poles.

Pawnee Lodge, 1873

Culture

Pawnee culture was deeply spiritual and centered around celestial events. They were expert sky-watchers, incorporating astronomy into their agriculture and ceremonies. One of their most significant religious rituals was the Morning Star ceremony, which symbolized fertility and renewal. While it once involved human sacrifice, this practice faded over time due to both internal reform and external pressure.

Miniature model of the Morning Star Ritual

The Pawnee had complex social structures with clans and a council of chiefs. They crafted detailed pottery, decorated hides, and were known for their storytelling and songs. Oral traditions preserved myths about star beings, creation, and heroic figures like Tirawa, the supreme being. Tirawa, also known as Tirawahat, is the supreme deity in Pawnee cosmology. He is regarded as the creator of the universe and the source of all natural order. According to Pawnee belief, Tirawa assigned tasks to various celestial bodies and spirits to maintain balance in the world. The stars, moon, and sun were considered his messengers, and much of Pawnee ceremonial life—especially agricultural and fertility rituals—was guided by his cosmic plan. Unlike many creator gods in other traditions, Tirawa was distant and not worshipped directly by the people; instead, they honored him through ceremonies that acknowledged the harmony of the universe and their place within it.

Warfare

Though generally more peaceful than some neighboring tribes, the Pawnee did engage in warfare—often in defense or retaliation. Their main enemies included the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Apache. Pawnee warriors used bows, arrows, lances, and shields, and some adopted firearms in later years. Raids and skirmishes were common, and bravery in battle was highly honored. In the 1800s, some Pawnee served as scouts for the U.S. Army, particularly during the Indian Wars.

1822 portrait of Sharitahrish (Pawnee chief) by Charles Bird King. This portrait is currently on display in the White House

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the Pawnee placed so much importance on astronomy in their daily life and religion?
2. How did the Pawnee's combination of farming and hunting help them survive on the Plains?
3. What might have been the effects of the Pawnee's forced relocation to Oklahoma?
4. How do the Pawnee's earth lodges compare to the homes of other Plains tribes?

Glossary

• Chahiksichahiks – The Pawnee’s name for themselves, meaning “men of men.”
• Earth lodge – A round house made from wood and earth, used for living in villages.
• Tipi – A tent made from buffalo hides, used during hunting trips.
• Tirawa – The Pawnee creator god, believed to have made the universe and stars.
• Scout – A person who explores and gathers information, often helping an army.