Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwows

<Adapted from the book of the same name>

The Powwow's Four Circles

A powwow consists of four circles. The Drum is at the center of the powwow, forming the first circle. Surrounding the Drum is a ring of men singers; the second circle. Women singers support the men; they are the third circle. The fourth circle embraces everyone else at the powwow: the dancers, community members, and visitors.

First Circle: The Drum is the Heart Second Circle: The Men at the Drum Third Circle: Songbirds Fourth Circle: The Community

Learn about and listen to some typical Powwow Songs

Learn about and see some typical Powwow Dances

What else does one find at a powwow?

This essay is based upon a traveling exhibition created by representatives of the Chicago American Indian Center to be presented at museums throughout the State of Illinois. Follow this link to learn more about this exhibition.

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The book Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwow has many more photos and offers insights that are not presented in this Online Essay. To obtain a copy of your own, follow this offsite link to the webpage for the Chicago American Indian Center.