Native American Dress Gallery
Native American Dress :: Women's Fancy Shawl Dance
Native American Pow Wows
Native American Pow Wows are a celebration of heritage and traditions, and a way for Native Americans to connect with each other while keeping their culture alive through dance, song and storytelling. Powwows that are open to the public provide opportunities to educate non-natives about their culture and traditions, such as Native American Fancy Shawl Dance, and other dance styles and traditions. While powwows occur year-round, most are held between Memorial Day and Labor Day throughout the US and Canada. They are an important part of Native American life and lots of fun for all who attend. For a list of Native American events, including the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, see our Native American Pow Wow Calendar.
Women's Fancy Shawl Dance
The Women's Fancy Shawl Dance is a beautiful and very strenuous dance typically performed by younger ladies and girls at Native American events like the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. It is a fast dance that requires stamina and gracefulness, along with intricate footwork. Each dancer wears a fancy shawl decorated with colorful designs made of appliqué, ribbons and painting. The shawl has long fringe or ribbons that flow with the movements of the dancer. Fancy Shawl Dancers create the illusion of a butterfly floating through the air by dancing light on their feet and twirling around with their shawl extended like butterfly wings.
Women's Fancy Shawl Regalia
Women's Fancy Shawl regalia, seen at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow and other Pow Wows, include a dress or skirt, leggings, moccasins, and a beautifully decorated fancy shawl. The shawl is worn draped over the shoulders and is usually made of colorful lightweight fabric. It is decorated with appliqués, paint, and ribbons in a way that has meaning to the dancer. The dress or skirt and leggings can either be plain or decorated, but they are made of fabric and colors that coordinate with the fancy shawl.
Shoshone Butterfly Legend & the Fancy Shawl Dance
Several Native American tribes are source of "Butterfly Legends". A Shoshone legend, is often referred to in articles about fancy shawl dancing. In summary, this legend tells of a beautiful butterfly who lost her mate in a battle. In her grief, she wrapped herself in her cocoon and traveled the world over, stepping on each stone until she found beauty in one and was able to start her life anew. The Fancy Shawl dancers renactment this legend in many of their movements. Bright colors and bead work adorn the dress and fringed shawl which is held out as the dancer steps and twirls, representative of the butterfly's wings.
Your Source for Native American Dress Craft Supplies
Crazy Crow Trading Post has long been your number one source for powwow craft supplies for yNative American Dress and other needs. This photo gallery represents Women's Fancy Shawl Dance outfits, both Northern and Southern Plains, mostly taken at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow 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, Dance Clothes & Accessories for Pow Wows like the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow!
