Native American Indian Pow Wow Photo Gallery

Native American Indian Pow Wow :: Native American Fancy Dance Outfits

Photo Credit: Derek Mathews - Gathering of Nations Powwow

What is a Native American Indian Pow Wow?

A Native American Indian pow wow is an event that celebrates the heritage and traditions of Native American Indians. It is a way for them to connect with each other and keep their culture alive through music, dance and storytelling. Most pow wows are open to the public, and they provide opportunities to educate non-natives about Native American Indian culture and customs. Most Native American Indian pow wows occur during the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day in the United States and Canada. They are important to Native American Indian life and are a lot of fun for all who visit. To see a list of pow wow events, see our Native American Indian Pow Wow 2010 Calendar.

Native American Fancy Dance

The Native American Fancy Dance (also referred to as Feather Dance) competition is usually considered the most spectacular of the men's pow wow dances. It is usually performed by younger, athletic dancers due to the strength and stamina required. Feather dance contest songs are generally short, with a very fast tempo. While all contest dancers need to know the songs to stop firmly on that last beat, it's particularly important for a feather dancer as 'nailing' the end of a very fast song is almost impossible without knowing the song.

Native American Fancy Dance Outfits

Native American Indian Fancy Dance outfits are brightly colored, with fringes, ribbons or other items that stay in constant motion with the movements of the dancer. Most fancy dancers wear two colorful feather bustles in back, a dance apron and headband with elaborate beadwork, Angora goat or Icelandic sheep half leggings topped usually by sheep bells, and moccasins. Other accessories include a porcupine roach with two feathers that move with the dancer to the beat, and often two arm bustles made of brightly colored feathers.

Your Source for Native American Indian Pow Wow Craft Supplies

Crazy Crow Trading Post has long been your number one source for Native American Indian craft supplies for your Pow Wow regalia and other needs. This photo gallery represents men's feather dance outfits, both Northern and Southern Plains, mostly taken at Gathering of Nations Pow Wows in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We thank Derek Matthews of Gathering of Nations, and others who have given permission to present these photos in this gallery.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - Crafts Supplies for Native American Indian Pow Wow Dance Clothes & Accessories!