Petalésharo
Petalésharo, a notable figure among the Pawnee tribe in the early eighteenth century, served both as a personal name and a title for distinguished warriors. The most prominent individual known by this name was celebrated for his bravery and humanitarian efforts, earning the moniker "the bravest of the brave." Petalésharo is particularly recognized for his role in ending the Morning Star Ceremony, a ritual that historically involved the sacrifice of young women. In a significant act of defiance during a ceremony in the late 1820s, he rescued a girl destined for sacrifice, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian principles.
In addition to his warrior status, Petalésharo was involved in advocacy and diplomacy, traveling to the Northeast United States in 1821 to speak at a conference that included notable figures like President James Monroe. His efforts to curtail human sacrifice had a lasting impact on Pawnee practices. Petalésharo's life came to an end during a smallpox epidemic around 1833, but his legacy as a compassionate leader continues to be remembered within the context of Pawnee history and culture.
Petalésharo
- Born: c. 1797
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: c. 1833
- Place of death: Unknown
Category: Tribal chief
Tribal affiliation: Pawnee
Significance: Petalésharo ended the use of human sacrifice in the Pawnee Morning Star Ceremony
“Petalésharo” seems to have functioned as a title, as well as a personal name, during the early eighteenth century among the Pawnee; several outstanding warriors used the name, and it is sometimes difficult to attribute biographical details to one individual.
The best-known person to claim the title distinguished himself not only as a warrior but also as humanitarian. He aggressively curtailed the Pawnee use of human sacrifice in certain rituals. Until his time, the Pawnees would raid another tribe for a girl about thirteen years old, treat her well for a year, then sacrifice her in the Morning Star Ceremony. During one such ceremony in the late 1820’s, Petalésharo is said to have protested by rescuing a young woman from sacrifice. Petalésharo cut the bonds that held the woman to a sacrificial cross, carried her to a horse to escape, then fed and protected the woman before taking her home.
During the fall and winter of 1821, Petalésharo toured the urban areas of the Northeast, including Washington, D.C., where he spoke at a conference attended by President James Monroe and Secretary of War John Calhoun. He also attended a New Year’s reception at the White House. He probably died during a smallpox epidemic around 1833.