Musical Instruments
Native American music is deeply woven into the fabric of their spiritual and social lives. Instruments such as the flute, drum, and rattles are commonly used.
- Flute: Traditionally made from wood or bone, the Native American flute is known for its soft, melodic sound. It is often used in ceremonies and storytelling.
- Drum: The drum is vital in Native American music, symbolizing the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Different tribes use various styles of drums, including hand drums and larger powwow drums.
- Rattles: Made from materials like gourds or wood, rattles are often used in dances and rituals, adding a rhythmic element to the music.
- Whistles: Made from bones, wood or other materials, whistles are used for signaling or creating melodic sounds.
- Bells: Often attached to clothes or other objects, bells add a percussive element to ceremonies.
- Voice: Human voice, through singing and chanting, is also a significant part of Native American music, often accompanying other instruments.
Dance
Dance is a significant aspect of Native American culture, often performed during ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling.
- Powwows: are traditional Native American gatherings that celebrate cultural and personal pride. They are a time for sharing traditions, music, dance, and food.
- Intertribal Powwow: The powwow which attended was hosted by Quinnipiac University as an intertribal powwow, meaning it brought together members of different tribes. This is a way for different Native American communities to connect and share their traditions. The Quinnipiac Tribe, through events like the intertribal powwow, continues to showcase and preserve their rich cultural traditions, including traditional dances that are an important part of their heritage. (See figure 1)
- Traditional Dances: Powwows feature a variety of dances, each with its own style and meaning. Some common types of dance include the Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, and Blanket Dance.
- Ceremonial Dances: These dances are performed for spiritual purposes, often to honor ancestors or seek blessings. They include slow, deliberate movements and are accompanied by traditional music.
Figure 1
Quinnipiac Intertribal Powwow (Native American Celebration)
Clothing (Lavin, 2013)
Traditional Native American clothing varies by tribe and are often made from natural materials like animal hides, feathers, and beads.
- Regalia: During powwows and ceremonies, dancers wear regalia that represents their heritage. This includes beautifully designed dresses, vests, and accessories adorned with beads and feathers.
- Everyday Wear: Historically, clothing was practical, designed for the climate and lifestyle of each tribe. Today, many Native Americans blend traditional and contemporary styles.
Northeast tribes wore a breechcloth, a strip of soft leather drawn between the legs and held in place by looping it over a belt at the waist. In winter, both men and women wore leggings—basically, two tubes of leather or fur also attached to the waist belt and capes or robes made of leather or fur. Both men and women wore moccasins.
