T H E E N D C O M M U N E

Sun & Pain 
 

In the vast geographical region known as the Interior Plains, which basically is central North America, there are numerous Native American tribes such as the Cree, Blackfoot, Sarcee, Assinibon and others, who partake in an old ritual tradition known as the Sun Dance. The Sun Dance is a religious festival in which the titular “sun dance” is the central component. The people parti-cipating show how much pain they can endure―a testimony to their bravery. The men put skewers through their chests and put the other end of the rope on a tall pole. They then leaned back until the skewers ripped through their skin. Sometimes the women would dance for the whole festival (which would last up to 4 days) without rest, drink, or food.