Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 73 that they generate and the spiritual power with which they are imbued by the Creator. Indeed, the Apsáalooke (Crow) name for this range is Awaxaawippiia, which translates roughly as Treacherous or Ominous Mountains, in recogni- tion of the harsh weather conditions frequently encountered there. Although Crow males commonly underwent vision quests in the Bighorn and Pryor Mountains, Burton Pretty on Top, Sr., states unequivocally that "The Crazy Mountains has always been the holiest of all the Mountains used by our people for fasting and vision quests." In the pre-reservation period, the Crows also regarded the Crazies as a tribal sanc- tuary. According to Pretty on Top, "In times of attacks from other tribes that outnumbered us, we would run back to Awa xa ipia for protection. Once we entered into those canyons, the enemy would retreat and leave because they knew this Mountain was our sacred protector." Renowned Crow warriors and chiefs, including Medicine Crow and Plenty Coups, received powerful dreams and even prophetic visions during quests undertaken in the Crazies. As a nine-year-old boy, on Crazy Peak, Plenty Coups expe- rienced a vision that provided a template for Crow foreign policy during their turbulent transition from an autonomous people to reservation life. Plenty Coups' vision foretold the disappearance of bison from the High Plains. In his dream, he also witnessed the destruction of a vast forest, except for one tree inhabited by a chickadee. Yellow Bear, a Crow el- der, informed Plenty Coups that the Four Winds, which laid waste to the forest, symbolized the encroaching tide of Euro- american expansion, and the felled trees represented tribes that fought against the white man. Conversely, Yellow Bear interpreted the "Chickadee's lodge in that standing tree [as a symbol of the lodges of the Crow nation] pitched in the safety of peaceful relations with white men." The enduring truth of that vision informed tribal policy for years to come. Given the strong spiritual and historical connection be- tween the Apsáalooke people and the Crazy Mountains, hik- ers and backpackers who explore these craggy peaks would be wise to keep one final thought in mind. Should you come across an oval- or U-shaped archeological feature, one con- sisting of stacked rock walls, approximately four feet long, two feet wide, and one to two feet in height, with an opening to the east, you may be standing on sacred ground, a site consecrat- ed by fasting, prayer and, perhaps, even autosacrifice. In that event, enjoy the spectacular views of the high country but do not disturb the integrity of this vision-quest structure. Looking for something "newly old" to fit your space? Custom storage pieces of all sizes and styles designed for you! We also build specialty pieces to suit your lifestyle. Check out our website or stop in to see our barn doors and vanity cabinet displays. Let's talk about your project! 40 Spanish Peak Drive Four Corners Bozeman 406.582.8200 blacktimberfurniture.com Let us be your design solution! Now or Belonging in the Past? First-time visitors First-time visitors should appoach the Crazies should appoach the Crazies WITH GREAT RESPECT, BOTH FOR THE WEATHER THAT THEY GENERATE AND THE SPIRITUAL POWER WITH WHICH THEY ARE IMBUED BY THE CREATOR.

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