American Indian Dance Rituals

American Indian Dance

Ceremonial dance of American Indians is often referred to as a religion, although most American Indians would argue is more of a practice of their spirituality and well being. They embrace ceremonies as a way to help overcome the difficulties of life, such as, marriage, death, war, and weather. The rituals unite in community and give recognition to their ancestor and nature. Therefore, American Indians have created and practiced their own diverse types of dance thru movement, costumes, and beliefs.
The most widely publicized American Indian dance is the Hopi tribe's "Snake Dance." Each year the tribe performs this ceremonial dance on their final day of worship; which is usually around late August. During which, the dancers
perform the ritual with live animals in their mouths. The ritual is thought to bring water to its people because, the snake; mostly rattlesnakes were considered to be the traditional guardians of springs. During the dance there are two main groups of performers, the antelope priests and the snake priests. Both of whom wear special costumes that are very elaborate, with large feathered headdresses, ankle adornments, with painted symbols on their skin, and jewelry. Several days before the ritual begins, the participants must go and find their snake for the ceremony. This can be very dangerous. The danger has also traditionally caused only men to participate. Two days prior to the dance, each performer must fast. Fasting is supposed to lead to great focus and connections with the rain gods in the underworld, to give them trust in the snake. To start off the ceremony, the dancer acting as the snake priest waits for the antelope priest to enter by stomping in a circle around the altar lining the entrance. Both groups of priest's then line up on opposite sides. They slowly begin to chant and sway side to side. The line formation is broken and the snake priest emerges from the group. The performer going first begins chanting and will approach the altar of snakes. As he walks towards the altar, the snake priest follows behind him to dust his shoulders with a sacred feather. The dancer will then pick the rattlesnake up, using his teeth. Each participant will do the same. To end the dance and finish the ritual, all of the performers must drink an emetic that causes them to vomit. This dance was once open for the public but, now only allowed to tribal members; due to lack of respect (Weiser).
Another ceremonial dance thought to bring rain, was the rain dance performed by tribes in dryer climates.
However, this is unique because, both women and men were allowed to participate. Women are rarely allowed to participate in Native American ceremonies. The rain dance attire is large headdress that contains goat hair, clothing with different designs, and turquoise jewelry. The specific turquoise and goat feathers symbolize wind and rain. Men would wear their hair down, women wore their hair in a special tribal wrap on the sides of their head. Indian men also wore masks with a turquoise strip that stretches from ear to ear across the face. The women's mask is similar, but instead of a turquoise stripe, it is white and they do not have the rectangle pattern on the bottom, or the horsehair. The men would also have their bodies painted with tribal symbols and wear special beads and turquoise moccasins. The women wore a black dress and no parts of their bodies were shown, except their bare feet. Also, over the dress is a bright colored shawl, with one black and one white over that. They are then ready to perform the rain dance in hopes of bringing the rain. The pattern for the dance was zigzag, rather than most ceremonial dances which are often circles. The steps were very intricate. One small part to the dance was when the women would cross the space six times, then circle counterclockwise, holding hands and leaping with a stamp from right to left. The music was mainly to
the flute and drums (Michaele).
Native American's also performed the stomp dance in various Eastern woodland tribes. This dance contains both a social and religious meaning. This dance, is known as a nighttime event and usually performed several times during the summer months. This dance is also unique, like the rain dance men and women both can participate. The music is sung by the performers, which usually included around thirty people. It begins when the leader starts to circle the sacred fire and those who wish to participate follow him in a single-file line. The leader takes the dancers counter-clockwise around the fire, shaking their legs for rattles, and dancing in a stop step. The men and women must alternate themselves behind the leader and by ranking of age, skill, and experience. The dance itself will last from later in the night until dawn the next day. The stomp dancers clothing is casual. Women wear skirts and blouses that incorporate traditional appearances, and turtle shell shackles on their ankles for noise when they stomp. Men dance in blue jeans; or slacks and hats usually with an eagle, hawk or crane feather in the hat band (Fletcher). Another dance, the sun dance is primarily performed by tribes in the upper plains and rocky mountain regions during summer solstice.
It is practice for a prayer for life, world renewal and giving thanks. The ritual for the participant represents a quest for spiritual power, purification, a communion, or at least attempted communion. The start of the ritual is the tree cutting and raising, which takes place the day before the dance. The tree is ceremoniously decorated before being placed in the hole of the center of the sun dance arena (McGaa). There is no rehearsal for the sun dance because it's an annual thanksgiving to the Great Spirit and to all the powers between the breathing ones. A woman will open the ritual as she dances full circle around the tree, and rejoins the rest of the dancers who then may enter the arena. As they dance, they must stop in each direction east, south, west, and north. A holy tribe member addresses the crowd to the way of the Sun Dance; the tribal morals and values. The dancers are then summoned to present their pipes and that is the end of the first part. The participants then rest for the night. For the next three days traditional powwow and fancy dancing take place in the arena. Fancy dance is a fast paced, colorful, highly energetic dance, often including tricks and very athletic movements. This has twirls and can be danced more freely. Each day the audience increases in numbers from hundreds to thousands. Piercing is the next part of
the sun dance ritual. The piercing is now illegal. The holy man would slice two parallel cuts on the chest and thrust an awl into both. After, the participant must take his position for the sun dance. The final movements are inward, dancing towards the tree. They must touch the tree four times with their palm. During that time the audience is in deep prayer. Following the fourth touch, the dancers are free to see their sun dance visions. Finally, to end the dance; the chief leads the participants from the circle and their spiritual tradition is renewed (Fletcher).
Lastly, the Native American war dance. This dance, practiced by many tribes the evening before attack or war to ensure success, is used to add confidence, and give honor. The warriors take part in the dance to help stir emotions and prepare for battle. They traditionally perform wearing intricate bright colored beads and ribbons, a headdress, and moccasins. They paint their faces to add to their fierceness. Although there are no synchronized dance movements, participants often move either clockwise or counterclockwise to the sound of drumbeats. The dancers often portray hunting, and imitating animals with their movements. The footwork is a toe-heel step in harmony with the drum beat. They often use a theatrical style of dance to tell a story of defeating the enemy. After the ritual, they are said to feel braver and prepared for battle (Kuruth).
Native Americans practice ceremonial dance to express religious beliefs, physical strength, and tradition. Although all ritual are unique, they share many similarities. The movements: stomping and circling counter-clockwise, wearing traditional costumes of headdresses filled with feathers, jewelry, body paint, and moccasins. All of which have a purpose for something greater than just a performance.