Unpacking the Medicine Wheel: Blackfoot History and Archaeological Interpretation with Dr. Trevor Peck - Ep 48

Written By Rachel Roden

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton speaks with Dr. Trevor R. Peck about one of the most recognizable, and often misunderstood, archaeological features of the Northern Plains: the “medicine wheel.” Drawing on his article “Unpacking the ‘Medicine Wheel’ Rubric,” Trevor discusses why archaeologists have historically grouped a diverse range of stone features under this broad label and why more careful identification of their function and cultural affiliation matters.

The conversation then focuses on Death Lodges, a distinctive type of stone feature that Trevor argues represents a Blackfoot cultural tradition. He discusses the archaeological, historical, ethnographic, and Blackfoot knowledge used to identify these features, including evidence from the Ellis Death Lodge and the Onistah (Calf Robe) robe. Together, the discussion explores how Indigenous knowledge can help archaeologists reinterpret the archaeological record and better understand the cultural landscapes of the Northern Plains.

The episode concludes by considering what moving beyond the catch-all term “medicine wheel” means for Plains archaeology and how greater collaboration with Indigenous communities can lead to more accurate and culturally informed interpretations of the past.

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