ABSTRACT
The purpose of this essay is to examine the relationship between food and culture among the Oglala Sioux of the Pine Ridge reservation in southwestern South Dakota. Our focus is on traditional Indian foods, and, in particular, the special way in which the Oglala regard buffalo meat, dog meat, and wasna. These foods derive symbolic im portance from the manner in which they are prepared and eaten in ceremonies such as the sun dance, memorial feast, and Yuwipi, a modern curing ritual.
