Indians, like most other people throughout the world, had their secret orders and societies. The majority of Indian societies had to do with religion or healing of the sick, while a lesser number were for carrying on tribal myths, preserving records, making rain, and even for keeping their women well in hand.
The head man of a religious or ceremonial society usually was what the white man termed a priest. he was similar to the shaman or medicine man in that he acted as a go between for the world of spirits and the world of men. But while the shaman acted alone and depended on his individual ability, the priest acted in some fashion for the tribe or the society.
Many of the secret societies of the Plains Indians were military societies, but there were others like the Buffalo Society, which was devoted to curing sick people. The Cheyenne had a society called "Big Bellied Men," whose members were trained to walk barefoot on fires or red hot coals.
One of the largest and most important secret societies was the Midewiwin Society - The Grand Medicine Society - of the Chippewa and associated tribes. This society had four degrees, or lodges, and a member could advance to a higher lodge by expending more and more property on feasts. These members learned the secrets of curing diseases and the medicinal virtues of plants. The Delaware Indians had a similar society called the "Great Snake," whose members roamed from band to band to cure diseases by magic and officiate at funerals.
The Zuņi had thirteen secret societies, some for healing the sick and others for such important matters as making rain. Among the Pomo the men had a society which conjured up all sorts of infernal horrors to frighten women and keep them in subjection.
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