The Women's Traditional Dance In the mid-1800's when beads were acquired through trade, the style for the women's traditional dance outfit was to bead the entire top of the dress. The design of each dress had a symbolic meaning to the individual owner. The dresses are decorated with ribbon work, elk's teeth and shells, among other things. The dancers usually wear decorated moccasins, knee-high leggings, beaded or concho belts and various pieces of jewelry like hair ties, earrings, chokers and necklaces. Most traditional dancers wear or carry an Eagle or hawk feather fan or a single feather. Traditionally, women were more earth-oriented. This is why the women's Traditional Dance basically consists of remaining stationary and bending the knees with a slight up and down movement of the body. At the same time, the feet shift subtly and the women turn slightly. Some traditions hold that this symbolizes the way the women turned and looked for their warriors to come home. At certain points in the song, women may hear words that have meaning to them. They may signal their pride and acknowledge the words by raising their fans. Others raise their fans during the honor beats of a song. Women traditional dancers must follow the beat of the drum and stop when the music does. It should be noted that powwow practices vary from region to region in United States and Canada. Sincere thanks and acknowledgment to the American Indian Education Committee of the Minnesota State Board of Education who sponsored those who wrote the Ojibwe content of this unit.

| Main Menu | Curriculum & Supplements | Cradleboard Private Area | Store |

©2002 Nihewan Foundation