Native American Pow Wow
Pow wow is a fascinating gathering of Native American Indians which may last from days to a week. Pow wow is an important cultural expression of the Native American heritage.
The name pow wow derives from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning shaman. It has since come to be used to describe any gathering of Native Americans of any tribes. An early twenty-first century pow wow is a specific type of event held by Native Americans.
Pow wows have evolved from a formal ceremony of the past into modern blend of dance, family reunion and festival. Over time Pow wow traditions have adapted and changed into a bright, fast and exciting event geared towards Native Americans and visitors alike.
Pow wows can vary in length from a single session of 5-6 hours to three days with one to three sessions a day. Major pow wows or pow wows called for a special occasion can be up to one week long.
This occasion is filled with colorful regalia of the participating dancers from the different Native American Indian tribes. As the dancers parade around the arena, different kinds and types of regalia can be seen. Almost every Native American Indian wears feathers and beads, not just on their headdresses but also on their body apparel. Some of them display different kind of jewelry and even bells dangling on their attire.
The head dancers consist of the Head Man Dancer and the Head Woman Dancer, and often Head Teen Dancers, Head Little Boy and Girls Dancers, Head Golden Age Dancers, and a Head Gourd Dancer if the pow wow will be having gourd dancing. The head dancers are responsible for leading the other dancers during a song and often dancers will not enter the arena unless the head dancers are already