What is what does counting coup mean?

Counting coup was a practice among many <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Native%20American%20tribes">Native American tribes</a> of the Great Plains. It involved touching an enemy warrior with a hand, a stick, or another object, and escaping unharmed.

The act of "counting coup" was considered a greater demonstration of bravery than killing an enemy because it involved a higher degree of risk. It wasn't about inflicting physical harm; it was about demonstrating courage and skill.

Success in counting coup earned a warrior prestige and status within their tribe. Coup could be counted by:

  • Touching a live enemy.
  • Taking a weapon from a live enemy.
  • Touching or taking a first enemy killed.
  • Taking a horse tethered to an enemy lodge.

The specific criteria for what constituted "coup" varied slightly from tribe to tribe. <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Coup%20sticks">Coup sticks</a> were sometimes used, and warriors would often carry them as a symbol of their accomplishments. The more times a warrior counted coup, the more respected they became.