Counting coup facts for kids

An Arapaho warrior counting coup on a U.S soldier, touching him with his rifle butt

Counting coup was a special and brave act practiced by Native American warriors, especially those living on the Great Plains. It wasn't about hurting an enemy. Instead, it was a non-violent way to show incredible courage. A warrior would try to touch an enemy with their hand or a special "coup stick" and then get away safely. This was very risky because the enemy could fight back.

Sometimes, counting coup also involved cleverly stealing items from an enemy. This could be a weapon, a horse, or something else valuable. It showed how smart and daring a warrior was.

The phrase "counting coup" comes from the French word couper, which means "to cut," "hit," or "strike." So, it's like "counting strikes" or brave touches.

Warriors would keep track of their coups. They might make notches on their coup sticks. Or, they could earn special feathers for their headdress to show their acts of bravery. Each feather represented a brave deed.

What Was Counting Coup?

Counting coup was a way for warriors to show their bravery without killing an opponent. It was seen as a much greater act of courage to touch an enemy and escape unharmed than to kill them. This act proved a warrior's skill, speed, and fearlessness.

Why Was Counting Coup Important?

For many Plains tribes, counting coup was the highest honor a warrior could achieve. It showed that a warrior was not only brave but also very skilled and quick. A warrior who counted many coups was highly respected in their community. These acts often earned them special privileges and leadership roles.

How Did Warriors Count Coup?

Warriors used different ways to count coup. The most common way was to touch an enemy with a hand, a bow, or a special stick called a "coup stick." This had to be done in battle, often while the enemy was armed and dangerous. Sometimes, stealing an enemy's weapon or horse right from under them also counted as a coup.

The Coup Stick: A Symbol of Bravery

The coup stick was a special item used for counting coup. It was often a long, decorated stick. Warriors would sometimes add feathers or other decorations to their coup sticks. Each decoration could represent a successful coup. The stick itself became a symbol of the warrior's courage and achievements.

Stories of Bravery: Recounting Coups

After a battle, warriors would often gather to share their stories. They would recount their "coups" or brave acts. This was an important part of their culture. It allowed warriors to share their experiences and for the community to celebrate their bravery. These stories also taught younger warriors about courage and strategy.

How Were Coups Recorded?

Besides notches on a coup stick or feathers on a headdress, coups were also remembered through songs and dances. Sometimes, artists would create special drawings, called ledger drawings, to show these brave acts. These drawings often depicted warriors in action, showing how they counted coup.

Images for kids

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  Ledger drawing of a mounted Cheyenne warrior counting coup with a lance on a dismounted Crow warrior, 1880s.