Warner, NH

A little on Pow Wow History

The word Pow Wow itself is from the Native American word that has been Anglicized for many year's. Derived from the term Pau-Wau or Pauau, which referred to a gathering of Medicine Men and Spiritual Leaders. Pau-Wauing referred to a religious ceremony.

It has been stated that the original Pow Wow dances were held by elite Warrior Societies.

Some of these Warrior Societies are the Dog Soldiers Societies, Red Feather Societies, Hethuska Societies these

Dog Soldier

societies evolve around Warriors and what they have done in battle.

Eagle feathers worn by these Warriors of these Societies where counted by brave deeds battle. The dance's they performed was a celebration of their good fortune as members of a family, a Society, a Clan and Tribe. It was a dance based in pride. When you visit a Pow Wow, you will still see that pride today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs back in the 1890's made the Traditional Indian dances illegal.

Bear Shield

Cheyenne Dog Soldier Sach

Reflections of Victory

Broken-Promises

I hope you and your family always have a fun and safe day!

Post 169

When you are thinking of Visiting a Pow Wow you may have some questions.

I have heard some very wild ideas from folks on Pow Wow's and what they are. So here are some answers to some of the questions that you may be thinking about.

Are Pow Wow's open to the publie ? Yes they are.

Are they scary to small children ? Not at all

Is there violence ? None

Is there sacrifices ? None

I there drunken folks whooping it up ? Not at all

Many communitys are getting involved by hosting Pow Wow's, these events can be a one day or a weekend event, or even a major Pow Wow event that last as long as a week.

Some of these Pow Wow celebrations in some areas can include:

Rodeos that featur Native contestants.

Mountain Men Rendezvous camps featuring demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, tool making, gunsmithing and lots of other skills of the 18th. centuries. The folks who take part in these exhibits dress in authentic clothing of the time they are portraying. It's a very educational step back in time, especially for children of all ages.

You can find storytellers who share timeless Native myths and legends with folks that are interested.

You will also find at some Pow Wow's, demonstrations and classes on beadwork, hide tanning, cooking, finger weaving, and the making of Native crafts.

There are always vendor booths to shop at also.

Look, learn and enjoy the Pow Wow!

When Visiting a Pow Wow!

Put aside all those Hollywood images of what Indians look like. Native Americas like every one come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

There are these that have green-eyes and are redhead's, milky skinned with blue-eye's and blond hair to the dark brown. They are all Native in their heritage, blood and heart's. Some are tall and stately, short and stocky. Some have long, angular faces, round faces, some have round eyes, almond shaped eyes.

If you take the time to learn, and become knowledgable of Native History and anthropology, you will become more aware that these physical characteristics are a clear indication of the lineage of their heritage. Don't be so insensitive as to ask someone if they are Indian, or as to how much Indian are you anyway.

Don't scoff! It's happened to all of us.

Look, learn and enjoy the Pow Wow!

Takeing Photo's at Pow Wow's!

This is something I can not say enough about taking Pictures at a Pow Wow. Do not take photo's at random. Either still photo's or video. At some larger Pow Wow's it's required that you register your camera, and they will put a number on it. The announcer will tell the audience when pictures are permitted. Always pay attention. If you should see a particular dance you would like photo's of, be sure to ask permission of the announcer. If you are told no, then don't do it. Some dances are held sacred, and are never to have photo's taken of the dance. If you see a dancer you think is especially striking, ask if you may take a photo after the dancer leaves the circle. It would be a nice courtesy of you to take the dancer's name and address and send them a copy of the photo. The giving of Human kindness and consideration are always long remembered, and very deeply appreciated.

Be wise, and always be cautious - Ask First!

Look, learn and enjoy the Pow Wow!

Old Drum Head with an Eagle Head Painted on it.

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Some more about Pow Wow Etiquette when visiting a Pow Wow!

1. The Dane Circle, This are is always blessed before the dance and must remain pure throughout the Ceremony. There is one entrance to the dance circle, this entrance will be facing East. Never enter the circle unless you have been invited. This invisible boundary should not be broken at anytime by anyone.
2. Name of attire worn by a dancer is called Regalia, Not a Costume. The development of a dancer's regalia is a very personal process. It can even take years to create, some are even gifts and have very deep meaning to the dancer.
3. Do not touch a dancer's Regalia. Respect the Dancer's.
4. If you see something fall, do not pick it up. Inform the individual that they dropped something. They will go through the proper procedures to retrieve it.
5. If you are invited to dance, please do so. It is disrespectful to decline, you do not need to worry about not knowing how, the person who has invited you will teach you.
6. The Drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The drum acts as an agent to bring harmony and balance to participants and spectators. The drum acts as intercessor to the spiritual realm.
7. The Grand Entry, this is the opening processional of officiais and dancers.
8. 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.
9. Be respectful and dress appropriately. A Pow Wow is not the place to wear Halter tops, your Skimpiest Mini-Skirt, the Shortest Short you own, or your scanty Bikini Top. These are not at all appropriate for a Pow Wow celebration.
10. Remember that you'er going to be walking on uneven ground that can also be dusty. You're also going to be weaving your way through crowds of people. So be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes , boots or sneakers that give your feet some support, and will protect your toes if you're stepped on.