Native American Indian Powwow Photo Gallery

Native American Indian Powwow :: Native American Fancy Dance Outfits

Photo Credit: Derek Mathews - Gathering of Nations Powwow

What is a Native American Indian Powwow?

A Native American Indian powwow celebrates the heritage and customs of Native Americans. It is a way for Native American Indians to gather together to visit and keep their culture alive through dancing, singing and storytelling. Most Native American Indian powwows are open to the public, and provide opportunities for non-natives to learn about Native American culture and traditions. Although Native American Indian powwows 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 powwow events, see our Native American Indian Powwow 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 powwow 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 Indian Fancy Dance Outfits

Native American Indian Fancy Dance outfits are very colorful, with brightly colored fringes, ribbons or other items flowing continuously with the movements of the dancer. Most dancers wear two colorful feather bustles in back, an elaborately beaded dance apron and headband, and a porcupine roach with two feathers that rock (or twirl) to the beat. Moccasins are worn along with half leggings made from Angora goat or Icelandic sheep and topped by sheep bells. Two arm bustles with brightly colored feathers are also often worn.

Your Source for Native American Indian Powwow Craft 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 Powwow 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 Powwow Dance Clothes & Accessories!