Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwows

<Adapted from the book of the same name>

Men's Traditional Dance

Every dance at the powwow tells a story, and often there are different versions of each story. According to some storytellers, the Men's Traditional Dance recounts the exploits and bravery of warriors in battle. Others tell of a hunter's skill; his movements are akin to stalking an animal. The regalia of a Traditional Dancer pays honor to the animal spirits, especially eagle and hawks. His attire consists of eagle feather bustles, a bone bead breastplate, leggings, beaded moccasins, a beaded belt, ankle bells, a porcupine roach headdress, breechcloth, various beaded accessories, and he carries an eagle feather fan.

Follow this link to see some Men's Traditional Dancers in action.

>>>add video clip<<<

>>>add historical picture/painting near bottom of page<<<

Pete Moore (left) and other Traditional Dancers. Navy Pier Ballroom, ca. 1985.

Patrick Tahawah, 1975

Forward to the next page of this essay

Back to the previous page of this essay

Back to the menu of powwow dances

Back to the menu page for this essay

Back to Online Essays

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.