Sanapia

Haliaeetus leucocephalus2

Peyote Cactus

Sanapia (c. 1895 – January 23, 1980) was a Comanche medicine woman and healer. She was one of the last known eagle doctors, a traditional healer who used eagle feathers in her healing practices. Sanapia's work and life have been documented as part of the effort to preserve the cultural heritage of the Comanche people.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Sanapia was born around 1895 in Oklahoma, which was then known as Indian Territory. She was a member of the Penateka band of the Comanche tribe. Her birth name was Mary Poafpybitty, and she was later given the name Sanapia, which means "Eagle Woman" in the Comanche language.

Training and Practice[edit | edit source]

Sanapia was trained in traditional healing practices by her mother and grandmother, who were also eagle doctors. Her training included the use of herbal medicine, spiritual rituals, and the use of eagle feathers for healing. Sanapia's healing practices were deeply rooted in the Comanche religion and cultural traditions.

Healing Methods[edit | edit source]

Sanapia's healing methods involved a combination of herbal remedies, spiritual ceremonies, and the use of eagle feathers. She believed that the eagle feathers had special healing powers and used them to brush away illness and negative energy from her patients. Her treatments were often accompanied by prayers and songs in the Comanche language.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Sanapia's work has been studied by anthropologists and ethnographers as part of the effort to document and preserve the traditional healing practices of the Comanche people. Her life and practices were documented in the book "Sanapia, Comanche Medicine Woman" by David E. Jones, which provides a detailed account of her healing methods and cultural significance.

Death[edit | edit source]

Sanapia passed away on January 23, 1980. She is remembered as one of the last traditional eagle doctors and a significant figure in the preservation of Comanche cultural heritage.