Very important meetings are sometimes referred to as “powwows”. Powwows, in fact, are a celebration of Native American heritage. They are performed in many of the southwest United States and even in some part of New England (Thiers 1). Powwows contain singing, dancing, eating and trading goods; they usually last for days.
They started in the last decades of the nineteenth century when Indians were adapting to new conditions (Hirschfelder 166). Despite the belief that powwows are private, they are open to the public for attendance and participation. “The powwow is a true picture of many Indian cultures” (Thiers 1).The modern powwow has its origins from the Prairie and Plains tribes. “It has developed as the creative expression of Indian identity and pride far beyond its original geographical and social range” (Hoxie 513).
Powwow music is also a big part of the recording industry with many popular labels. “Good powwow singers are in demand, and their recordings are sold to an appreciative, mostly Native American audience” (Hirschfelder 165). Powwows can be identified based on regional history, program format, dance and song styles, and costumes. Trading has always been an interesting part of powwows.Indians used to trade goods in exchange for other goods that they need.
Today, they exchange goods for money. One can find beautiful artifacts and jewelry to purchase. Some powwows feature other events such as rodeos, demonstrations, games, rides, or a traveling carnival (Thiers 2). “Ceremony Time is about order and relationships” (Francis 140). It is a time when Native Americans focus on living in harmony and balance with all living things. They believe that everything that is seen and invisible is connected.
Ceremony Time is celebrated throughout the year.The first four days of each month focus on an area which always has been important to the People of the sovereign nations and tribes” (Francis 140). For example, the family is the focus on the first four days of March. There is a least one Powwow each month during this time in a selected state like Minnesota or South Dakota. July 28 to August 28 is the Season of Powwows and sacred Dances.
“A powwow (an Algonkian word for gathering) and sacred dances are important parts of the social and spiritual lives of the People of the sovereign nations and tribes” (Francis 150).In Massachuset language, pauwau literally means “he uses divination” (Hirschfelder 166). This was referring to a medicine man who received divine information from dreams. Anthropologist William Powers calls it a “secular event featuring group singing and social dancing by men, women, and children” (Hoxie 513). Although powwows are open to the public, the sacred dances of the respective nations and tribes are private.
It is proper powwow etiquette for women to wear shawls when dancing.Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and an intoxicated person cannot enter the circle to dance. Since some rituals are sacred, they should not be filmed. There are fines for littering. The arena director handles any violations of etiquette. “Any time an eagle feather falls to the ground, all activity must cease immediately” (Francis 150).
Activities may resume after the powwow head staff members have performed the proper observance rite. It is important for non-Natives to be taught the ways of the Natives so that everyone can dance in the circle together to celebrate.Powwows range in size from small local events of a single afternoon or evening held in honor of local achievements, to three-day-weekend affairs, to annual events of a week’s duration” (Hoxie 513). They are either held outside in grassy areas or in gymnasiums. The largest powwows demonstrated “Indian” dancing paying non-Indian audiences.
Powwows also vary from region to region. Most follow either the southern or Oklahoma style of gathering. Most of the dances were war dances, which came from the warrior societies.Once the Native Americans were placed on reservations, they became social dances. To commemorate the warrior societies, veterans and those that are still active in the armed forces are honored during powwows (Hirschfelder 166).
Powwows were also community social events. “Powwows are sponsored by particular groups, typically a single family honoring one of its own, and extended family honoring a founding ancestor, or an entire community honoring itself” (Francis 514). The major participants of the powwow are the head dancers, the head singers, and the Announcer.The center of the powwow is the drum; the singer is playing and singing simultaneously (Hirschfelder 166). Since the majority of the people at a powwow are spectators, their interaction among each other is just as important as the dances.
A powwow begins with the Grand Entry when the dancers enter wearing their finest regalia and slowly dance around the drum. The Round Dance, the Two-Step, and the Gourd Dance were ceremonial dances. The Hoop Dance, the Eagle Dance, and the Spear-and-Shield Dance were performance dances for non-Indian audiences (Hoxie 513).Powwow clothing worn by men gives them the look of warriors. Men wear a headdress, feathered bustles, and eagle feathers. Women’s clothing are contemporary versions of traditional ones.
There are also contest held for dancers to compete for prize money. They compete based on gender and age groups. Dancers are judged for their dancing, their regalia, and their participation level. Men compete in “traditional”, “fancy dance”, and “grass dance” categories. Women typically compete in “traditional”, “northern shawl”, and “jingle dress” dancing competitions (Hirschfelder 167).The categories are named for the dance styles and the type of regalia worn.
The traditional dancer wears an outfit based on nineteenth-century tribal dress. Fancy dancers wear “brightly colored feather bustles, elaborate beadwork, and bells” (Hirschfelder 167). Grass dancers wear similar clothing to fancy dancers except that they wear thick fringe on a yoke instead of bustles. All dancers wear moccasins.
Each dancer interprets their dance individually depending on its category. None of the dance steps are choreographed. The steps are chosen as a way to express each individual’s own Indian identity. As the dancers circle the drum, from the communities far and near, with different customs, each one dancing a personal interpretation, all are united by the heartbeat of Mother Earth expressed through the drum”( Hirschfelder167). Most parks, like Yellowstone Park, hold many powwows during the summer months.
The park attracts tribal members from across the country. Local tourist agencies also have information about powwows. Newspapers also have information about upcoming events. It is an opportunity to watch “real” Indians and learn about Native American history.
