Powwow
is a cultural event of the modern North American Indians. It is a
music and dance event, loosely based on traditions of Ojibwa and
Sioux peoples. However, modern powwows are modern, music amplified,
some of the dances and dresses designed not that long ago. For
example the now ubiquitous jingle dress (and dance) was introduced by
the Ojibwa in 1930ties, whereas equally popular shawl dance (and
dress) is even later, introduced in the 1960ties by the Sioux.
The
modern powwow is a kind of pan-Indian movement, spreading far beyond
Ojibwa and Sioux areas. It seems that all reservations have an
ambition to throw a great powwow once a year and visitors from other
reservations are invited. Whites are also welcome, but not many come,
the music being as alien to the white ear as it could possibly be.
The
pictures below were taken at the great Navajo powwow in summer 2013
in Window Rock, the capital of their reservation. By the way, the
powwow dress has nothing to do with the traditional dress (and dance)
of the Navajo.
No comments:
Post a Comment