"Winter Count"

A Winter Count is a traditional historical record kept by some Indigenous tribes, particularly the Lakota. It typically involves creating images or symbols on a hide or cloth to represent significant events that occurred during a specific year. Each year, a new symbol is added, creating a visual timeline of notable happenings, such as battles, migrations, or treaties. Winter Counts serve as collective memory tools, helping communities remember and pass down their history and important stories across generations. They are both practical records and cultural artifacts, reflecting the tribe's history, values, and identity.