The Story Behind This Giant Rock in the Middle of a Field
PBS Terra・2 minutes read
Daku Shka Shka, the living energy in Lakota Sioux mythology, is central to the creation of Devils Tower, a unique rock monolith formed over 50 million years ago and established as the first national monument in the USA in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt. The origin story involves seven girls seeking refuge from bears, leading to the creation of the structure, now a sacred site for various rituals like smudging and attracting thousands of climbers annually.
Insights
- Daku Shka Shka, the living energy in Lakota Sioux mythology, is a mysterious force tied to Devils Tower, a unique rock formation formed over 50 million years ago, central to their beliefs.
- Devils Tower, initially thought to be a volcano, is now recognized as a laccolith created by magma, with a rich cultural significance for the Lakota Sioux, who perform rituals like smudging for purification and healing at the site.
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Recent questions
What is Daku Shka Shka?
Living energy in Lakota Sioux mythology.
How tall is Devils Tower?
867 feet above the visitor center.
What is the Antiquities Act?
Legislation that established national monuments.
What is the origin story of Mato Tipila?
Involves seven girls seeking refuge from bears.
What is smudging?
A purification ritual using sage or cedar smoke.
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Summary
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"Devils Tower: Sacred Site of Lakota Mythology"
- Daku Shka Shka, the living energy present in all things, is a central mystery in Lakota Sioux mythology, including Devils Tower, also known as Mato Tipila or Bears Lodge, formed over 50 million years ago.
- Devils Tower, a unique rock monolith, stands 867 feet tall above the visitor center, established as the first national monument in the USA in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act.
- Initially mistaken for a volcano, Devils Tower is now believed to be a laccolith, formed by magma pushing up sedimentary rock into a dome that slowly crystallized into columnar jointing.
- The origin story of Mato Tipila involves seven girls seeking refuge from bears, leading to the creation of the structure, with the remains of giant bears believed to be beneath the talus field.
- Smudging, a purification ritual using sage or cedar smoke, is a common practice at Devils Tower, a sacred site for vision quests, prayer ties, and healing, attracting thousands of climbers annually.
