Scalping

By Crusader1307

Although Films and Books have for hundreds of years linked the practice of Scalping as the "ultimate" form of Native American maiming and execution, this is an extreme Historical misconception. In reality, Scalping goes back many Centuries as a form of Middle Eastern retribution. Seen in the 10th Century, it may have been "introduced" to Europeans during The Crusades. By the time of the 17th Century in The Americas, France was exploiting her Territories in The Mississippi River Valley Regions. Large amounts of then plentiful Beavers were harvested for their Pelts (popular in Europe as a cheap form of clothing insulate. French Trappers found themselves in "competition" with Regional Native American Tribes (who used the animal much in the same way).  Perhaps it was the simple act of sending a "message" to The Native Americans, to scare them off from Hunting Grounds. Whichever at some point, a French Trapper cut the scalp off of an "intruder". The message was received very clearly by The Indians.

Henceforth, they "would do" to captured White Settlers, what was "done to" them! The practice of Scalping is quite grisly, in that the victim is very much alive and aware of the act. A sharp knife (even dull ones), was used. The blade was placed at the base of the forehead hairline of the victim. The attacker then pulls the hair of the victim upwards and back. This lifts up the skin from the skull roughly 1-inch. Cutting and pulling backwards, the scalp and hair are quickly pulled away from the head. The skull was in essence, denuded of flesh. Although victims normally died from the Shock, many survived the grueling ritual. For the Warrior, the taking of Scalps showed his bravery in combat. Often, one's "collection" was carried into battle (tied to a War Pony or Lance). Sadly, the practice of Scalping did not end with the eventual subjugation of those Native Americans who practiced the "craft" (not all did). The use of Scalping was seen in Southeast Asia, practiced by some American Soldiers during the Vietnam War.