The Pow-Wow at OU

If you don't know, I'm currently working on my Masters degree at the University of Oklahoma.  I'm studying Native American Studies.  It has been an intense year filled with learning.  I attended the Pow-Wow at OU last weekend. My Great Grandfather was a full blood Choctaw, and my Grandfather was born in Indian Territory and was an infant on the Dawes Roll, he was unfortunately raised without his Choctaw Culture because his father passed away prior to his birth, in 1904.  So, I'm interested in that aspect of my heritage and enjoy attending events such as these, despite not being raised with the heritage.  

“When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called America before the white men came, an Indian said simply "Ours.” ~Vine Deloria Jr.  

Western civilization, unfortunately, does not link knowledge and morality but rather, it connects knowledge and power and makes them equivalent. ~Vine Deloria Jr. 

I don't have the patience or attention span to learn beadwork.  The beadwork and detail on the dress for the pow wow is incredible.  I can't imagine the time that it takes to create the beautiful beadwork that adorns so many of the people who were here dancing.  I can't imagine sitting still and working with tiny beads. 

I think what impresses me the most about art, is the art that I know that I am not capable of.  

What beautiful work.   

My first teaching job was in the Pueblo of Zuni in Western New Mexico. Many of my students did not like showing their faces or being photographed.  So, these photos will not show peoples faces.  People such as Edward Curtis and early photographers in the American West, photographed Native Americans and used their culture as a means of study and profited from Native Culture. 

With my love of photography, the allure of the colors is incredibly appealing.  

At one time in American History Native American dances were banned by the Federal Government. Religion was not protected and expressing this aspect of culture was illegal.  It was banned by legislators whose ancestors came to this "New World" to find their own "religious freedom."  These Intertribal Pow-wows are an expression of Tribal Sovereignty. 

I enjoy watching and listening.  

The Fancy Dancers are incredible, they move so beautifully and so fast.  It is just something that you have to see in person to understand. 

Enough from me today! I'm tired. I had a much needed day of playing with pictures.  

Comments

[Brittani]

LOL you shot a pic of my Sister's feet; "Green Moccasins"! It took her almost a year to bead both mocs and leggings. An yes beading does take a lot of patience! Lot of people don't understand that it is hard work. Its taxing on your back, neck, wrists, fingers, etc. But beading is worth all the hard work!