Indigenous Americas

While we were talking about the powwows in class, I found myself very interested in the styles of dancing they performed. It made me wonder what some other types of dances may occur and what the meaning behind the dances were.

While talking about the different types of dancing that occur, I was curious to see if there were any other types of dances or dances that are not as commonly performed. One very interesting dance form I came across was the hoop dance. I found it interesting while searching hoop dances that the hoops even have deeper significance behind them. The hoops are representative of a circle that can show how all the problems that are created can link back to the originator and the person that should be responsible. In the dance, one to thirty hoops are typically used. The hoops are used to make shapes and tell many different stories.


 

 In an article about powwow dances , I discovered that some of the more traditional dances, reflected the times from the past. The traditional men’s type of dance was to tell stories of the activities that took place in their day to day lives. The video shows how simple but intricate the dances are that they performed and how every step that they take goes along with the beat. In another article about the traditional dances, they talk about how the elaborate costumes they wear are typically passed down between generations. The outfits are an heirloom for the dancers that come after to continue the tradition and show the past.


Finally I was very interested in the attire and costumes the people wore while performing their respective dance. As I mentioned before the costumes are typically passed down from generation to generation. Although the are passed down, there are elements that are updated as time goes on. I discovered that some of the outfits that are worn are updated with modern products that keep up with modern times. The outfits still contain some elements from the past, but they are reconstructed with elements that represent the time now. The costumes often use components from the peoples' lives that represent their traditions, family, interests, and their overall life.

Comments

  1. Anna BlairSeptember 19, 2021 at 7:27 PM

    It is interesting that the costumes are passed down from generation to generation! I read in some other articles that they are also made within the family if not passed down, and I find that really cool. Another thing that is passed down is the drums, and it has often been passed down to the eldest son within the family to look after and pass on.

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  2. Rylei PowellSeptember 23, 2021 at 7:53 PM

    I also read about the modern costume additions and I thought it was really neat! I also thing the storytelling aspect of the dance is so interesting. Fun videos too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karan BhattSeptember 24, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    I really liked that you added the tidbit about the costumes, "typically passed down between generations." It just further exemplifies the efforts of the Native American population to continue to pass down and keep their own culture alive. I wish you would have added an image for a more modern Regalia because I could not find anything that was "modern".

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2021 at 7:58 PM

    Wow! That hoop dance is actually mesmerizing. I'm extremely happy that you put this as one of your sections as I did not know that this was a thing. I am curious as to when and what the hoops are traditionally made of.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nia JacksonSeptember 26, 2021 at 5:02 PM

    The costumes worn by people in this culture is also very interesting to me, and reading what you wrote puts a whole new perspective in mind about what they mean not just to culture but what they mean to each and every person.

    ReplyDelete

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