On Saturday we took the kids to the annual Pow Wow at the Shinecock Nation in Southampton.

My wife was less-than-enthusiatic at first, but at the end of the day she didn't want to leave.

It was a magnificent experience. Truly awe-inspiring.

Dancers from all over the United States, Canada and even Mexico were there. There were contests for the different type of dances (traditional shawl, jingle dress, tiny tots, young warriors, etc., etc.). It's great to see such ancient culture still alive and kicking. We're definitely going back next year!

I was going to wait to post my own pics, but it'll be a while before I develop my film (yes, I said film) so you can see some photos HERE

PurpleJedi said:

Im glad your wife had a great time after all. We have a Pow Wow around our area every year ( about 30 min away from the town I live in). They usually have medicine men there as well. It lasts for a few days here and during the summer months. The dancers are dressed very well and the detail on the dancers outfits, WOW!

I hope you take her again shell have a great time:)

i love how you can feel the drum in your chest!
did you dance?

Pow Wows are incredible. I have a friend who is Hopi, and even though Pow Wows are not a traditional dance in their tribal community, he dances very beautifully and with such a strong sense of spirituality. His hair is beautiful and all the way to past his belt area. Their costumes are art in their own uniqueness. Drumming is very empowering as well. To watch as a whole, there is nothing quite like it, with any other dance.

I can't wait to see your pictures.
[Edited 9/5/07 20:37pm]

I have friends from a nation and was permitted up close photography of things not permitted... The tribes here still dont like photography and I got a few hard looks for it.. but what a gift. My ignorance was bliss and as a guest of tribal chief families I was blessed. ( They giggled to themselves and told me later.)

Sounds like fun.

I haven't been to a pow wow in years. It's an amazing experience.

I love pow wows. Didn't get to one yet this year though.

2the9s said:

Love the avvie!

emm said:

The drums are very deep and very loud. You can feel the pounding in your chest.


No...I did not make a fool of myself.

FreeSpirit said:

There were Hopi dancers in attendance. They did mention that pow wows are not traditionally Hopi...but that they enjoyed sharing their dances anyway.
They did a hoop dance and a "butterfly?" dance.

This is the gentlemen seen crying in commercials when I was small.... forgive me I know not his name.. was it iron eyes Cody?







This lady was on the stamp...



This gentlemen was one who knew I sat in the head tent and did not want his soul in an image.... ( One of the moments I knew something was a bit off)

I was in the head tent and next to the drum circle... that was sooooo magical.

Tribal heads....

Beautiful pics Muse!



...you know...many native peoples in Latin America - believe that photographs "rob" bits of your soul. I'm intrigued by the North American native who also believes that!

Beautiful, I go to Pow-wows every summer and belong to the Native American awareness Group here in Philadelphia, It's the most spiritual and wonderful feeling to belong to these people and experience such a wonderful gathering isn't it.