Coup Stick

The coup stick was a ceremonial weapon unique to Plains Indian warfare, used to “count coup” — the act of touching an enemy in battle without killing him, which was considered a greater feat of bravery than killing from a distance. Lewis and Clark learned about the coup tradition during their time among the Mandan and Hidatsa at Fort Mandan, where warriors recounted their battle honors in elaborate ceremonies. The coup system reflected a fundamentally different concept of warfare than European traditions: personal bravery and daring were valued above body counts. Warriors who had counted many coups earned the right to wear eagle feathers and hold positions of leadership. The tradition was documented in detail by both Lewis and Clark and later by painters Catlin and Bodmer.