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Native American Pow Wow
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What is Pow Wow?
Pow Wows are social gatherings
of hundreds of Native Americans who follow dances started
centuries ago by their ancestors and that continually
evolve to include contemporary aspects. These events
of feasting, drum music and dance are attended by Natives
and non-Natives, all of whom join in the dancing and
take advantage of the opportunity to see old friends
and teach the traditional ways to a younger generation.
Pow Wows have deep historical roots, going back to
the early to mid-19th century when huge summer gatherings
of tribes were held on the plains, according to Richard
West, Director of the National Museum of the American
Indian (NMAI) . The Heluska society of the Omaha in
Nebraska had a certain dance with a lively step that
it would perform, and other tribes began to notice
it. As the concept spread, tribes embraced the tradition
of dancing and singing in different ways, adding their
own variations. The roots of modern Pow Wows date back
50 to 70 years. From the small gatherings held on college
campuses to large urban areas, today's powwows are
contemporary intertribal versions of those 19th-century
Pow Wows.
They also serve to unite Indians. "One of the
things the federal government did in the dog days of
adverse Indian policy was to separate us Indian communities
from one another," says West, Director of the
NMAI. "Pow Wows are a powerful contemporary device
for getting together as Indians; and, in that respect,
they are a potent cultural and social connector among
contemporary Indian communities."
For non-Natives with limited exposure to American
Indian culture, public events like the Pow Wow
not only serve
to dispel stereotypes, they provide the larger community
with a chance to experience an American Indian gathering
firsthand and to gain an understanding of Native
cultures and traditions.
Each Pow Wow begins with the Grand Entry, which is
a procession of all the dancers into the dance
arena. This brilliant sea of color is led by the
Head Man
and Woman Dancers, as well as an American Indian
military veteran color guard carrying the American
flag, and
various flags of tribal nations.
One of the most important
things in the life of a Native American is the drum.
Our whole culture centers
around the drum. Without the drum and the singers,
the Native Americans could not have Pow Wows. The
drum brings the heartbeat of our Earth Mother to the
Pow Wow for all to feel and hear. Drumming brings everyone
back into balance. Whether dancing, singing, or just
listening, people around the drum can connect with
Spirit.
Songs are started with a
lead line sung by the Head Singer. This lets the
drum and the dancers know what
song is coming. After the lead line, the second (another
person at the drum) will take up the lead line, and
everyone will join in with him. At this point the dancers
begin to dance. The loud beats during the songs, sometimes
called "Honor Beats" are a time for dancers
to honor the drum. In Northern singing, these beats
are generally during the verses. In Southern singing,
the beats are generally between verses.
Some additional things to remember are 1) Liquor
is never permitted at the drum and 2) Women, usually
do not sit at the drum and beat the drum, if women
sing, they may sit in the second row behind the men
singers. At a Pow Wow the drums are led by at least
one “host drum” which showcases its distinct
style of singing (either Northern or Southern) and
represent the best example of that style. The drum
contest will highlight groups of 10 to 12 members
each who frequently come from the same family and
sing traditional songs that often have been written
by family members and are handed down from one generation
to the next.
The host drum for this event will be Southern Suns,
a Southern style group with members from the Haliwa-Saponi,
Lumbee, , and Coharie tribes of North Carolina. This
group has traveled extensively throughout North America,
both competitively and as an invited competitive group
to many powwows and gatherings.
The audience will see dancers representing dozens
of tribal nations in full regalia compete in several
dance categories:
- Women's Traditional dance can be broken into to groups
according to the type of regalia: buckskin and cloth.
The oldest form of women's dance style, is Buckskin.
This is a dance of elegance and grace. The movement
is smooth and flowing. The ladies wear fine, handcrafted
buckskin dresses, decorated with intricate bead designs.
Northern dresses are fully beaded on the shoulders,
or cape. Southern ones, the beadwork is mainly used
to accent. They are equally beautiful. The women carry
fringed shawls over one arm. Ladies Cloth is a Southern
Traditional form of women's dress. This style is dance
by the Kiowas, Osage, Ponca, and others. The dance
is slow and graceful, much like the Women's Buckskin
style. In either case, much like the Men's Traditional
Dance, there are many tribal and regional differences
in the outfitting of this women's style.
- The Men's Northern Traditional
dance is a popular Northern style of dress and
dance the traditional style,
evolved from the well-known "old time Sioux" style
of the early reservation period through the 1940's.
Although a clear distinction exists, one can see
an obvious connection to the old-time Sioux Outfit,
with
the dancer drawing from this earlier style various
elements to which he either adheres to or uses as
a basis for his own interpretation. Therefore this
form
of dancing that has evolved over the years, is the
oldest form of Native American dancing. The movement
in this style is one that is sometimes characterized
as similar to a prairie chicken. The dancer is also
said to be re-enacting the movement of a warrior
searching for the enemy.
- Men’s Southern Traditional, often called the
Straight Dance, from Oklahoma is a formal, tailored,
prestigious form of Southern dance clothes. The overall
effect is of reassuring solidity, with everything closely
matched and coordinated. It looks as if it is planned
all at one time. This dance has evolved from the Hethuska
dances. It is believed that the Ponca created this
style. The Hethuska are dances held by different societies. There
are a lot of clothes to wear in the outfit, and accordingly
the dance is slow and proud. The art of Straight
dancing is in the little, sometimes unnoticed things,
both
in the movement and the outfit. Smoothness, precision
with the song, knowledge of dance etiquette, and
a powerful sense of pride mark the outstanding straight
dancer.
- The Oklahoma Feather Dancer
or "fancy dancer" is
one of the most popular style of dance and outfit seen
at modern powwows. The fancy dance outfit, as such,
has no tribal identity. The most obvious items in the
fancy dance outfit are great amounts of loom-beaded
sets of suspenders, belt cuffs, headband, and a set
of armbands. The designs are usually matching in all
items and of a rainbow feather or geometric design.
Beaded medallions are on the forehead and bustles are
also quite common. Occasionally a breastplate will
be used in place of the beaded suspenders or in conjunction
with them. The other trademark for fancy dancers is
the use of large feather bustles. Currently most bustles
are color-coordinated with the beadwork by using large
amounts of feather hackles dyed the appropriate colors.
The dance style is of two types: a basic simple step
while dancing around the drum and a "contest" step
with fast and intricate footwork combined with a
spinning up and down movement of the body.
- Women’s Fancy Shawl is the newest form of women's
dance, and is quite athletic! Fancy Shawl is often
called Northern Shawl, as it does come form the Northern
tribes along the US-Canadian border. This is very similar
in dancing and the bright colors to the Men's Fancy
Dance. The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders,
and dance by jumping and spinning around, keeping time
with the music. They mimic butterflies in flight, and
the dance style is quite graceful and light. Emphasis
is paid particularly to the shawls, with elaborate
designs, appliqué, ribbon work, and painting.
Long fringe hangs from the edges of the shawl, and
flies round.
- Jingle dress is also called
a prayer dress. There are differences in the
origins of the dress among the
tribes. The dress was seen in a dream, as an object
to bring healing to afflicted people. It comes
from the Northern tribe Ojibwa, or Chippewa, along
the Canadian
border. A medicine man's granddaughter became
very ill one day. In a dream, his spirit guides
told him to make a jingle dress for her and have
her dance
in it. This, he was told would heal her. When the
outfit was finished, the tribe assembled for a
dance. On her
first time around, the illness would not permit
her to dance and she was carried. As time went
on she was
soon dancing in the circle. Jingle dresses are
decorated with rolled up snuff can lids that are
hung with ribbon.
The ribbon is then sewed to the dress, the jingles
placed close enough so they can hit together, causing
a beautiful sound. If one were to close their eyes
as the Jingle dancer passes, it would sound as
though it were raining!
- The Grass dance is a very
popular style of dance today. Originally done as
a warrior society dance, it has
evolved over the years. It has further evolved into
a highly competitive form of Northern dancing. Grass
Dancing always stands out by virtue of two things:
his dancing style and his outfit. His dancing has
been described often by the words ‘gutsy’, ‘swinging’, ‘slick’,
and ‘old-time.’ His outfit stands out by
virtue of the almost complete absence of feathers,
for aside from the roach feather, there are no bustles
of any kind to be seen. The name "Grass Dance" comes
from the custom of some tribes wearing braided grass
in their belts. The unique parts of the northern
outfit are the shirt, trousers, and aprons, to which
yarn
fringe, sequins, and beaded rosettes other designs
are attached. The outfit makers are fond of using
playing card designs-hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds.
Hearts
and rosettes are the most common. White fringe is
preferred, however, gold, silver, and other light
color fringe
is also used. Bells are worn around the ankle. Mostly
plains hard-soled or woodland soft-sole moccasins,
and sneakers are worn.
- Tiny Tots (5 and under) are honored as the future
of our culture. As such, at many events they are
not judged in a competition, as it is not wished
to discourage
the future of the circle from participating. The
emphasis is placed on ensuring these youngsters enjoy
their
time in the circle and learn from being in the
company of the older dancers and singers. Parents
decide what
style of regalia in which to cloth the young ones
and they are encouraged by the parents, family members,
and everyone at the powwow, to dance their best
and
watch the other dancers, while also learning the
proper etiquette and customs from their elders.
*Adapted from the Smithsonian
Institution’s
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)
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Pow Wow Etiquette
Vocabulary and Titles:
Arena – dance circle,
this area is blessed before the dance and must remain
pure throughout the Ceremony.
There is a single entrance to the arena facing East,
you should not enter the arena unless invited, and
this is the only entrance that should be used to enter.
This invisible boundary should not be broken at anytime
by any one.
Regalia – attire worn by dancers – NOT
a costume. The development of a dancer’s regalia
is a very personal process. Often items have taken
years to create or may be gifts and have deep meaning.
Master of Ceremonies – (MC) officiates over
Ceremony proceedings. Guide to the events – pay
attention to his announcements.
The Drum – the heartbeat
of Mother Earth. The drum acts as an agent to bring
harmony and balance
to participants and to spectators. The drum acts as
an intercessor to the spiritual realm.
Grand Entry – opening
processional of officials and dancers.
Head Man Dancer – lead
dancer, he will begin and guide the other dancers
through the dance.
Head Woman Dancer – lead
dancer, she will begin and guide the other dancers
through the dance.
Intertribal Dance – social
dance; open to visitors to come join the dancers
in celebration.
General:
- Bring your own seating chairs and benches around
the arena is reserved for dancers, seats with blankest
or other personal items are taken
- Items
left at seats are not to be touched this
is a gathering of family there should be no need
to
guard
belongings from each other
- Dress
appropriately. Halter tops and short
shorts are not appropriate for this celebration
- Pictures may
be taken with the permission of the dancers, but
not during dedication dances (Veterans
Songs, Flag
Songs, or Prayers). These special songs will
be announced by the MC
- NO
drugs or alcohol permitted at any time
for any reason
- Supervise
your children so that all may enjoy
the event without distraction
- Animals should
not be brought to the event
- Do not litter
Respect:
- Do not touch a dancer’s
regalia. These items are made with great care and
are often gifts to the
dancers from friends and family. They have deep significance
and should be respected.
- If
something falls, leave it. Inform the
individual that they have dropped something,
and they will go
through the proper procedures to retrieve it.
- If
invited to dance, please do. It is disrespectful
to decline, do not worry about not knowing
how the person who invited you will teach you.
- Listen
to the MC, he will let you know when
you need to stand and when you may sit after
honor
songs.
He will also announce intertribal dances
and other invitations
for our guests to participate
*ASK QUESTIONS, WE ARE HAPPY TO SHARE
Reference:
http://www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art13818.asp
http://www.fortnet.org/PowWow/rules.html
http://www.pa-powwows.com/ettiquette.shtml
http://www.native-american-online.org/etiquette.htm
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Exhibitor Application
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Pow Wow Flyer
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Dancer Registration Form & Letter
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Directions to NC State University
From Rocky Mount via US 64 (I-95
from New York)
Take US 64 West to Raleigh. (US 64 West turns into
New Bern Avenue.) Follow New Bern Avenue to downtown
Raleigh. New Bern Avenue bears off into Edenton. Edenton
turns into Hillsborough Street which runs past campus.
Turn left into campus at Pullen Road.
From Florida via I-95
Take I-95 to I-40 West. Proceed on I-40 West into Raleigh
to the Gorman Street exit. Turn right onto Gorman
Street and then right again onto Avent Ferry Road,
leading to campus.
From Durham via US 70
Take US 70 to downtown Raleigh.(US 70 turns into Glenwood
Avenue.) Follow Glenwood Avenue to Oberlin Road.
Turn right onto Oberlin Road (approximately 3 miles).
Turn right onto Hillsborough Street. Take an immediate
left at Pullen Road to enter the campus.
From Chapel Hill and Durham via I-40
Take I-40 East approximately 25 miles to Raleigh. At
the I-40/Wade Avenue split, stay on I-40 to the Gorman
Street exit. Turn left onto Gorman Street and follow
it to the traffic light. Turn right onto Avent Ferry
Road, leading to campus.
From Fayetteville via US 401
Take US 401 to Raleigh. Then take I-40 West to Gorman
Street. Turn right onto Gorman Street and then right
again onto Avent Ferry Road, leading to campus.
From Henderson via US 1
Take US 1 (which turns into Capitol Boulevard) to downtown
Raleigh. Turn right onto Edenton Street. (The Holiday
Inn Tower is on the corner.) Edenton Street merges
with Hillsborough Street. Follow Hillsborough Street
and then turn left into campus at Pullen Road.
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Commonly Asked Questions
| Are chairs provided? |
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| Can we take pictures? |
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Yes, you may take pictures providing you get permission from the
dancer, drum group, or other individuals. It is
against etiquette to take pictures during the Veteran and Flag Songs. Also, do not go into the arena during
exhibitions to take pictures. You may do this after the exhibition.
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| Is there a fee? |
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| Who may attend? |
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| Are spectators allowed to dance? |
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Yes, during intertribals or social dances. The Master of
Ceremonies will invite participants into the arena to
participate in these dances. Also, spectators may dance in the
Veterans Honoring Song. This honor song is open
for any veteran to dance, native or non-native.
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