Native American Indian Powwows Photo Gallery

Native American Indian Powwows :: Men's Fancy Dance Regalia

Photo Credit: Derek Mathews - Gathering of Nations Powwow

What are Native American Indian Powwows?

Native American Indian powwows celebrate the heritage and customs of Native Americans. They are a way for Native Americans to gather together to visit and keep their culture alive through dancing, singing and storytelling. Most powwows are open to the public, and provide opportunities for non-natives to learn about Native American culture and traditions. Although Native American Indian Pow Wows occur year-round, most are held between Memorial Day and Labor Day throughout the US and Canada. Important to Native American life, powwows are fun for all who attend. For a list of powwows, see our Native American Indian Powwows 2010 Calendar.

Men's Fancy Dance

The Men's 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.

Men's Fancy Dance Regalia

Native American Indian Fancy Dance regalia are brightly colored, with fringes, ribbons or other items flowing continuously 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 Powwows Supplies

Crazy Crow Trading Post has long been your number one source for Native American Indian craft supplies for your Powwow regalia and other needs. This photo gallery represents men's feather dance outfits, both Northern and Southern Plains, mostly taken at Gathering of Nations Powwows 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 Powwows Dance Clothes & Accessories!