Winnebago Cosmology - Cycles of Life and Death Winnebago cosmology world has four layers. The top layer was occupied by the Earth Maker, the second layer houses the Trickster, and the third layer is presided over the Turtle. The bottom world is "this world" which is the human world shared with Hare and Water-Spirit. Death is perceived as a natural cycle of life and as consequences of old age or a move into another world of existence. Winnebago believe the possibility of reincarnation for those who had lived an upright life or were killed in a battle. "Warfare was idealized in tales and treated as a mystic journey that could end in reincarnation for a warrior killed along the way". (Mason pg.232). War bundles are the most sacred object for the tribe. " The war bundles came into being through dreams received by warriors, who then prepared the bundles and later passed them on to their descendants". The war bundles are significantly important to the Winnebago clan (patrilineal) system as well as their ceremonies. Sacred songs and stories associated with the bundle ensured success in warfare for clan members. Other ceremonies were held either by clans or the religious societies. For examples, Bird clan had their rituals in the spring, Snake for fall, and Bear in the winter. The rituals or feast were done in honor of the clan animals and it brought life, health, good fortune and blessings. The ceremonies among the religious societies are; Night Spirits, Grizzly Bears, Buffalo, and Ghosts. The people who had received power from these beings or spirits all come together to sponsor a lengthy ceremony with stories of their blessings, speeches, music of flutes and dancing. As many Native Americans Winnebago observed many rituals and taboos in their daily lives. Menstruating women were thought to be dangerous to men and surrounded with many taboos, women were isolated in the menstrual lodge. Shamanism was used for healing, warfare and hunting and in some cases people who possess such powers were suspected to be witches or bad medicine. (Lurie pg.695, Mason pg.232-233).