THE MEANING OF A NATIVE POW WOW
Sound is produced from the back of an open mouth and throat. Quality of voice depends on abdominal muscles that have been well developed. Women sometimes join the men in the singing. They sing an octave higher and often trill in certain places of the song to express emotion, joy or appreciation of the song.
Drums are often handed down from one generation to the next while others are donated. Older drums are made of buffalo hides, elk, horse or deer. New drums can be purchased, changed and blessed.
Native people believe that the drum has a life of its own and has a powerful spirit. Some tribes name their drums and have them blessed. Gifts are presented to the drums and have their own sacred medicine pipes. In some tribes the drum is considered to be the powerful medicine of thunder while in others it symbolizes a heartbeat. The drum group is also referred to as “drum.”
Traditionally, a dance was started when warriors returned to their village after a raid. Here, they danced out the story of their battle. Hunters danced out their stories of tracking and killing prey.
The dance outfit is traditionally of earthtones and decorated with bead and quill work. A circle of eagle feathers is worn as a bustle. These represent cycles and unity. The spikes of the feathers always point upwards and represent the channel between the Great Spirit and all things on earth. Dancers are more often than not veterans and carry shields, honor staffs, medicine wheels and weapons that symbolize their status as warriors. Their movements imitate the life of animals and birds.
The men’s fancy dance is relatively new to Pow Wows. It is believed to have started in the early 1900’s when dancers were asked to beautify their outfits. Brilliantly colored feathers came into use and cash prizes for the most colorful outfits were initiated.
Young men and boys usually perform the fancy dance. It is based on the double step of the traditional grass dance. Increased speed, fancy footwork, varied body movements; gestures and acrobatic steps make it a fantastic spectacle. This dance is always freestyle but the dancers must follow the drum’s beat. When the drum stops, the dancer must stop with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
The women’s fancy shawl dance is similar in style to the men’s. The woman advance toward more movement as the dance progresses.
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