ABSTRACT
The word "tribe" has been used in several different and often contradictory ways. The notion of "band" rather than "tribe" is more helpful in understanding Plains human organization. Band organization often corresponds to bilateral descent. Traces of matrilineality or patrilineality have been seen in other tribes by various researchers, either as leftovers from earlier periods or as emerging responses to white-induced trade and warfare. Religious societies were the most important non-kin groups among the Southern Siouan tribes, and of the societies in these tribes, the Omaha Shell and Pebble societies are the best known. In tribes with well-developed military associations, the most prominent war chiefs might be the officers of the associations. Many of the men's associations were mainly military in nature. Some tribes drew leadership from a council of several chiefs. Chiefs worked and shared authority with councils made up of the headmen of smaller bands.
