Native American Powwows
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Native American Powwows
Native American Powwows
Summer time is powwow season and across the Wind River Reservation, the night air is filled with the haunting sound of pounding drums and chanting voices. Dancers stomp their feet and whirl about, the brilliant colors of their outfits flashing. Days are filled with Indian games, socializing and feasting.
Powwows can be traced back to pre-European times when Plains Indians used dance to honor tribal members, recognize important events, and seek protection for warriors and hunters. Today, powwows can be everything from a family reunion to a religious ceremony depending on the individual and tribe. They have also become an important way for Indians to keep their culture and traditions alive.
The focal point of the modern powwow is still dancing. Whether they are dancing competitively or for fun, Indians of all ages come to these gatherings to show off their moves and elaborate dancing regalia. Many Indians follow a powwow circuit, dancing for prize money to pay for their outfits, travel and food. Traditional and fancy dances are the main forms of competitive dancing. The traditional dances can be traced back to pre-European days, while some of the newer more modern fancy dances have only been around for 15 or 20 years.
Part of the pageantry of the dancing comes from the elaborate outfits regalia the dancers wear. The various styles of dress originate from either ceremonial or societal functions of the past and are always unique to the individual dancer. Most of the dancers’ regalia is handmade and often include precious family heirlooms. Male dancers usually wear leggings and a breechcloth decorated with ribbons and beadwork, topped by breastplate of bones and beads worn across the dancer’s chest. A bustle made from feathers trails down the male dancers’ backs. Women usually wear dresses decorated with elk teeth or shells, as well as beaded moccasins, leggings, belts, and braid ties. Both sexes interpret these basic styles individually and the resulting outfits are varied and can be as brilliantly colored as a tropical bird.
Drumming and singing accompanies all dancing. The drumbeat is sacred and represents the heart beat of the Indian people. Each pounding note carries songs to the Great Spirit allowing the people’s prayers to be heard. Because of their religious significance, drums are never left unattended.
Most powwows begin on Friday evening and last through Sunday. Nights are reserved for dancing, while days feature horse races, foot races, Indian games, socializing and ‘give-aways.’ Give-aways traditionally were a time when a family or an individual would hand out food, hides, jewelry or weapons in appreciation for being honored by the Great Spirit with a successful hunt or courage in battle. Today give-aways are commonly used to remember someone who has died or to recognize an individual’s achievements.
Powwows are open to the public free of charge. A schedule of powwow dates and locations can be found on our calendar. Because powwows are important cultural events, it is important for visitors to be respectful. Several web sites offer etiquette guidelines to appropriate behavior and attire for visitors attending powwows. These guidelines are helpful in ensuring your experience is fun and educational.
