Final answer:
In Plateau Indian culture, shamans could potentially change the weather, might be women, and were often referred to as 'medicine men,' but did not necessarily hold all the stories of their people nor lead in warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics and beliefs about shamans in Plateau Indian culture reflect the broader context of Plains Indian spirituality and social roles. Looking at the options provided:
- a) They had the power to change the weather: This is a common belief associated with shamans in many indigenous cultures, as they are often seen as intermediaries with the spiritual world, which includes control over natural phenomena.
- b) They could be women: Shamanism is not exclusively the domain of men; both men and women could serve as shamans, depending on the cultural norms of a particular tribe or society.
- c) They held all the stories of the Plateau Indians: Shamans often played important roles as storytellers and keepers of tradition, but it is not accurate to say they held all the stories, as storytelling and oral history are typically widespread throughout the community.
- d) They were often known as "medicine men": Shamans are sometimes referred to as medicine men or women due to their roles in healing and dealing with the supernatural.
- e) They led the tribe in warfare: This is generally not true for shamans; leadership in war was typically the responsibility of the war chiefs or other designated leaders within Plains societies.
The correct answers, based on typical roles and beliefs about shamans in Plateau Indian culture and not to be confused with the roles of chiefs, are that they had the power to change the weather (a), they could be women (b), and they were often known as "medicine men" (d).