Onbagi

"Onbagi" it's the traditional (Lakota) way to ask for help & ceremony.

It is an offering of tobacco (hopefully) wrapped in red cotton cloth, presented to a wicasa wakan when in need to help, ceremony, healing.

Once accepted by the wicasa wakan, there is no going back, as this Onbagi is a contract... a spiritual contract between the wicasa wakan, the giver, & the tunkashilas...

So before you make that Onbagi, everyone needs to be sure they are on the same page and willing to make the sacrifices required for those healing ceremonies.....

There is no $$$$$ exchanged for healings or ceremonies.... Never, No, Not Ever. But do not mistake that for the misconception that you are not financially responsible for making that ceremony happen.

I did put frog-skins in with my last Onbagi to my brother-in-law as I requested his physical work on my 25+ year old drum that needed a few stitches (which I was too lazy to do)....

When I send him the making for the fans for my sister (his companion) & myself, I will also Onbagi w/ tobacco, red cloth & frog skins.... The man is working for me: and his time, prayers, traditional knowledge & skill for making 2 fans, is something that should be acknowledged w/ remuneration, which is helping him to get to the ceremony that he offered an "Onbagi" for (committed to).

wasicu do not work for free, neither should anyone else, nor should they be expected to, so creating a piece of work, beading, art, etc. remuneration is expected.....

Do not mistake or confuse Onbagi for ceremony with Onbagi for the making of ceremonial or traditional art objects.... There is a huge difference and you really do not want to be taken for an insensitive & ignorant lump of flesh...