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Wakan
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Also called:
Wakonda, orWakanda
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Wakan

religious concept
Also known as: wakanda, wakonda
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Last updated
•History

Wakan, among various American Indian groups, a great spiritual power of supernatural origin belonging to some natural objects. Wakan may be conceived of as a weak or strong power; the weak powers can be ignored, but the strong ones must be placated. Poisonous plants and reptiles can contain wakan, as can intoxicating drinks. Wakan beings are the immortal supernatural powers who bestow wakan; they too may be weak or strong, but all are believed to enjoy music and pipe smoke. Wakan has no essential characteristics in itself; rather, it is a kind of holiness or wonderfulness inherent in some objects. Compare mana.