Native American Music

 Native American Powwows! 

Welcome back to my vlog today we will be talking about Native American Music!

Today we will be going into what is Powwow. A powwow is a celebration of life and community gathering that allows family and friends to get together. to share the Native American cultural traditions. When dancing around the circle it represents the cycle of life and the connection of the things in this world. The dancers move clockwise around a circle to follow the direction of the sun. In the Grand Entry, it begins in the 'Eastern Doorway' as the sun rises in the East. It represents the beginning of a new day. 

How is the drum made and what it represents in Powwows?

The Native American drum can have a rich culture. Some believe that the original drum was created by a woman. It is said that the spirit of this woman resides in the drum. The drum should always be treated with respect and care and when coming in contact with the drum your behavior is expected positively. These drums are crafted by made and are made from a large base and covered with deer, buffalo, or steer depending on the tribe and the location. The pow wow drum can have up to eight or more men forming a circle around the drum. Only men are playing and singing along with the beat of the drum. These drums are also used when honoring ceremonies, flag raising and other events. 

What is the meaning behind Powwow's costume?

One thing that caught my action was that every single costume is unique in their own way. The Powwow regalia is a model of self-expression that is combined with history and modern dress. They are worn with responsibility and pride. Each one represents their community traditions and personal taste. Many of the outfits are items that have been collected to reflect on their lives, interests, and family background. Dancers always wear a form of headgear, ribbon, headdress, porcupine head roach, or a war bonnet, as a sign of formality. When reading more about the meaning the article stated that if an eagle feather falls off in a dance. Many dances around it to protect it until it can be properly retrieved. This represents a lot of respect for what they believe in. Another thing that stood out to me is that different tribes do not take sacred elements of another tribe. This is considered disrespectful. Unless he is adopted into a culture that is a powwow. 

What are the different types of dances used in Powwows?

There are many types of dances from both women and men. Which include:

Women:

Women's Fancy Shawl

Women's Jingle Dress Dance

Women's Traditional Dance

Men:

Men's Grass Dance

Men's Traditional Dance (Northern and Southern Straight)

Men's Fancy Dance

Women's Jingle Dress

Today I will be explaining one of each. In most of the videos I've watched they all seem to be dancing this one, which is quite fascinating. This dance is called Women's Jingle Dress Dance. There are many teachings around the origin of the Jingle Dress Dance. It is known to have been a gift from the Creator to the Oilbway people for the purpose of healing. The Jingle dress has seven rows of jingle cones that are made of metal materials. Some other dresses use other noise-making materials like bones or deer hooves. The dresses are also decorated with ribbon, matching beadwork, moccasins, hair ornaments, eagle feathers, and plumes that are worn in the hair. The dancing carries a fan that is raised during the honor beats of the song. 

Men's Fancy Dance

I really like this dance because many dancers can show off there skills. The Second dance is called Men's Fancy Dance. This dance is mainly for young dancers. It is the most active and athletic dance style. The colored regalia has double bustles behind their backs with smaller bustles on their arms. This spectator is often known for its feathery display of color. In this dance, there can be a friendly competition that happens between the singers and the dancer. When either stopping with the end beat it can mean winning or losing points in competition powwows. In this competition, the singers will perform "trick songs" to be able to throw off the dancers with an unexpected last beat.