The Traditional Anishinaabe World View.pdf
Illustrated glossary offering a cross section of the traditional worldview of the Ojibwe Anishinaabeg, who for the past 1000 years or more inhabit Gaa-zaaga'ekanikaag, the Land of Many Lakes ( the North American Great Lakes area).
Illustrated glossary offering a cross section of the traditional worldview of the Ojibwe Anishinaabeg, who for the past 1000 years or more inhabit Gaa-zaaga'ekanikaag, the Land of Many Lakes ( the North American Great Lakes area).
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<strong>The</strong> Universe of <strong>The</strong> Ojibwe <strong>Anishinaabe</strong>g by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014<br />
Simone McLeod: Healing Journey # 2, acrylic on canvas 2012<br />
Contrary to common (European) belief, the Midewiwin has never been a society of<br />
“worshippers”. Instead, Mideg pay homage to a series of aadizookaanag and manidoog<br />
called Mide Manidoog (Grand Medicine Spirits) in order to acquire special powers for<br />
healing purposes. Subordinate to these Spirit Beings are four manidoog, one at each of<br />
the cardinal points, and many of “lesser” manidoog, who take on the forms of animals.<br />
<strong>The</strong> manidoog in the form of, for example, a bear or a bird or memegwesiwag (bankdwelling<br />
dwarfs), or animals who live in the water, are most closely connected to<br />
Midewiwin. <strong>Traditional</strong>ly, all practitioners of the various levels of Midewiwin had<br />
distinctive designs painted on their faces that are specific to their level (first, second,<br />
third, fourth, - sometimes - up to eight grades). All Midewiig are supposed to carry a bag<br />
of the skin of an animal or bird specific to the level they are in. This bag - called<br />
Midewayaan - is one of the most valued possessions and is supposed to be buried with<br />
the member upon their death. <strong>The</strong>se Midewayaanag, which carry the medicinal herbs,<br />
charms, and miigisag (shells) that are used for “shooting” novices during their initiation.<br />
serve as a guardian against harm and carry the People’s spirit powers, hopes, and trials.<br />
Birch bark scrolls, called Midewiigwaasag, were used to scratch the Midewiwin Teachings<br />
on and were shown to the novices upon entrance into the society.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Universe of <strong>The</strong> Ojibwe <strong>Anishinaabe</strong>g by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014<br />
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