Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwows

<Adapted from the book of the same name>

Powwow Dances

Most competition powwows are similar, as they offer competitive dancing and singing. However the complexities of powwows occur in dance styles and regalia.

Every dancer has his or her own particular style. Members of diverse tribal nations dance in traditional powwow regalia (often referred to as "costume" and this term is inaccurate). Regalia design and color schemes signify special events, honor a person's life, convey traditions or legends, and exhibit familial ties to tribal affiliation and clans. The following pages offer a breakdown of dances, regalia, and stories of origin.

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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.