The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow (1 Viewer)

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow


Gentle Friends,

During the past two years, my wife, Diane, and I have been fortunate to encounter and become acquainted with a few special people. The folks to which I am referring are all Native Americans living in northeast Kansas. They are a proud, warm, and gracious people who, for reasons completely unknown to me, have chosen to thoughtfully introduce their culture to this old geezer and the Fair and Lovely Lady Diane.

Most of our Native American friends are members of the Prairie Band of the Pottawatomi tribe. However, one of our friends also has some Kickapoo heritage while another is White Mountain Apache. Each of these individuals is very proud of their heritage as well they should be. And, recently, they have encouraged us to embark on an amazing weekend adventure.

The weekend adventure to which I refer is the Annual Prairie Band Pottawatomi Pow Wow. You see, Diane and I have never attended a Pow Wow, nor have we ever had any significant knowledge regarding the activities of a Pow Wow. Well, that has now changed and I want to invite you to share out adventure.

With the above introduction, I shall begin the story of the Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow, complete with many, many, perhaps too many, photographs. The adventure will begin with my next post. I hope you enjoy accompanying Diane and I as we share the experience of an exciting summer day among the wonderful people of the Great Pottawatomi Nation.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow - Part I, The Setting.


Gentle Friends,

The adventure takes place in northeast Kansas at the Veterans Memorial Park in the Prairie Band Reservation of the Pottawatomi Nation. The Pow Wow is a three day event beginning on a Friday evening and concluding on a Sunday afternoon. And, what better place for a Pow Wow could there be than on the rolling Plains of northeast Kansas?

When you enter the park, you quickly become aware that it was created with Pow Wow’s in mind. Centrally located within the park is a circular outdoor arena. The outer perimeter of the arena consists of a covered circular concrete seating and observation area. Bleachers are installed on the outer edge of the concrete. The internal edge of this concrete circle is available for a variety of uses and allows room for lawn chair seating. The center of the arena is covered with a well maintained grass lawn. Installed at the west end of the arena is a grandstand from which Pow Wow officials coordinate and supervise the event.

In order to visualize the setting, I have attached a few photographs below. I have also provided a short description of what is viewed in each photo.



Photo 001: This photo provides a view of the observation perimeter of the arena. As you can see, there are bleachers at the outer edge of the concrete while lawn chair seating can easily be placed on the inner half of the circle. We arrived about 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the event and there was still ample bleacher seating to accommodate the Fair and Lovely Lady Diane and myself.



Photo 002: The view provided in this photo presents an impression of the size of the grass lawn contained within the observation circle. It is a reasonably large area suitable for many uses.



Photo 003: This shot also allows for an impression of the size of the internal area. However, you might want to notice the young gentlemen seated in the left hand portion of the photo. These fellows will soon be performing as drummers, but I will tell you more about that later. Finally, take a look at the vacant lawn chairs in the right portion of the photo. These vacant chairs and others like them around the concrete circle will soon be populated with even more drummers!



Photo 012: The Arena Grandstand.



Photo 151: An Event Banner.

Okay, folks, now that you have some sense of the setting, you will have to wait for me to compose the next installment of this great adventure. Stay tuned for more information and photos. And, be prepared for a blinding assault of colors that will eventually come!

Till next time.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part II – Drummers

Gentle Friends,

Are you still with me? I hope so as I am just beginning my discussion and presentation of the Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow Adventure. Well, let’s get busy!

The first official activity of the Pow Wow is the Drumming that announces the Grand Entry. If you followed my last post, you know there are small groups of drummers seated along the inside perimeter of the concrete circle. Starting with the drummers seated on the northwest side of the circle, each group, one by one, beats a specific rhythm to compliment their singing. Their singing and drumming are unmistakably Native American and it is bold, powerful, and high pitched. Interestingly enough, at least to me, the singing, while powerful, also contained a mournful quality. I was overwhelmed at how easily these folks could produce such wonderful sounds that seemed impossible for me to ever begin to duplicate. While it was not possible for me to do so, I wanted to say to them, “Well done! My compliments for a very impressive and meaningful performance!” I also found myself wishing I could have recorded the drumming and singing. I was prepared to experience beautiful and bright colors, but I was not prepared to encounter the power of Native American drums and songs. The power of the drumming and singing seemed to transport me to a time when Ancient Wisdom ruled the Earth and long established customs promised an abundant life.

As usual, I have a few photographs attached below with a bit of explanation regarding each one. Enjoy!



Photo 013: The fellows you see in this photograph are the drummers who were seated directly in front of where we were sitting. They sit in a circle with a large drum placed in the center. The young man dressed in Indian garments and whose face you see is one of the drummers. He is also one of the dancers who will participate in subsequent portions of the events that are soon to unfold. I might also tell you, you will see this fellow several times in the photographs I will be sending. For one reason or another, my camera seemed to frequently find him.



Photo 021: Here is our drummer friend again. As you can see, he is singing as he helps with drumming the appropriate rhythm. Oh, how I wish I had a recording of this performance!



Photo 022: Our drummer friend continues to perform beautifully.



Photo 024: As the drumming is coming to a close, some of the performers are making their way to the east end of the arena in preparation for the Grand Entry.



Photo 026: One last young man hurries to the entrance from which the Grand Entry will soon emerge.

Well, that’s all I can do for now. I will send photos and discussion of the Grand Entry as soon as I can compose the message. But, relax. It is going to take some time for me to compose the narrative and identify appropriate photos. After all, I took 260 photos in less than three hours! And, as a result, my camera became overheated!

And, oh! In my last post I indicated you should be prepared to be assaulted by a blinding array of colors. Continue to prepare yourself as you “ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Peace.

Till next time.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part III, The Grand Entry, The Beginning

Gentle Friends,

Hopefully, by now, you have had a chance to view Parts I and II of my narrative. If so, you have an impression of the size of the arena and you know the event begins with drumming and singing. But, once each group of drummers has performed, the drums fall silent and a procession of people and colors begins.

The first persons in the procession are the flag bearers and they carry the American Flag, the Flag of the State of Kansas, and the Flag of the Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation. The processional progresses slowly and respectfully. The Flag Bearers are followed by the Tribal Elders who enter in single file. It is an impressive beginning.

I genuinely thought I had taken photos of the Flag Bearers and the Elders, but when I returned home, no such photos could be found in my camera. For not the first time in my life, I suspected a “Senior Moment.” However, as I began to sift through the many photographs I had taken, I found a clue to explain the absence of pictures of the Flags and the Elders. When I saw the first of my photos of the Grand Entry, everything became clear. The reason for the absent photos was I had caught a glimpse of who followed the Elders and I had become mesmerized by the sight. Overwhelming my senses was a spectacular combination of the human form melding with an incredible rainbow. Seldom does one see such beauty. When you view the first three photos I have attached to this post, I think you will understand why I reacted as I did.

The Grand Entry is not a short event. Rather it continues for quite some time. A steady progression of dancers enters the arena and each one is dressed uniquely. As you view my photographs over the next few days, you might want to take note of the various colors and combinations of adornments the participants were wearing. I have studied my photos for hours and I am still in awe of the creative and beautiful nature of the traditional clothing. You might also want to know that many of the participants have created their own traditional clothing and have done so by hand. You cannot help but marvel at the skills, time, and patience required to create such magnificent attire and such exquisite adornments.

I have attached a few photos below with a short explanation of what they contain.



Photo 033: This photograph captures the image of what caught my eye as the Elders were entering the arena. The sight of this individual was incredibly breathtaking. I think you will agree when you view the photo.



Photo 034: This is another shot of the same fellow that appears in photo #033. By now, you must realize why I took several photos of this gentleman. Isn’t he truly magnificent?



Photo 038: The two photos listed above present a frontal view of the dancer. This photo presents a rear view. No matter from what direction you view this dancer, you are confronted with an impressive explosion of brilliant color that is truly breathtaking.



Photo 043: One by one, participants file into the arena dancing all the way. This shot presents a few of them as they dance while passing our seats. I encourage you to examine each figure and enjoy the view.



Photo 045: This is a similar view as presented in photo 043. The dancers are progressing past our seating.

I hope you are finding these photos to be meaningful. The entire experience of attending the Pow Wow touched Diane and I in a very personal way. We are deeply moved and we were glad we were able to attend the event. For us, it was a highly enriching experience.

I have many more photographs to share with you. However, it will take time to compose a narrative and to select photos to accompany my comments. If your interest in our adventure remains high, then please know there is more to come.

Until next time, enjoy the present photos!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[lancer]

Fantastic! The variety of the ceremonial clothing is simply astounding. I am embarrassed to admit that while I know of the Pottawatomie tribe, I know nothing about them and the only thing I ever associated the Pottawatomi name with was John Brown. Thanks for posting these wonderful pictures of what was, obviously, a beautiful and meaningful event. -- Al

 

[Rob]

Superb pictures Pat, really been enjoying these, thanks ever so much for sharing them here.

Rob

 

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The Great Pottawatomie Pow Wow – Part IV, The Grand Entry, Passing in Review

Gentle Friends,

As the Grand Entry continues to unfold, more and more dancers enter the arena. And,…as they do,…you become hypnotized and as well as stimulated by the myriad of brilliant colors and limitless patterns. I suspect the stimulation is what caused me to want to capture each instant of the Grand Entry. And, to that end, I pointed and clicked my camera at a near record pace. Well, actually, for me, it was a record pace. :-D

It quickly became clear that to experience the full impact of the procession, it was necessary to make certain you gazed at the front, profile, and rear portions of the dancers’ attire. Under no circumstances would you want miss to any segment of the colorful clothing and extraordinary dancing that was unfolding.

If, by now, you have noticed that the photos I have already presented included mostly men, it is because the men precede the women in the Grand Entry. Soon enough, you will see some of the women. You only need to be patient as my story continues to be told.

For now, let me provide you with a few more shots of the men as they dance in review in front of the audience. You will see both front and rear shots of the dancers.

Once again, I have attached a few photos with some explanations presented below:



Photo 048: This photo provides a view of the rear of the dancers’ traditional clothing. As you can see, there is much to admire.



Photo 049: Another view from the rear.



Photo 050: More dancers enter the arena.



Photo 051: Still more dancers enter the arena.



Photo 052: Even more dancers enter the arena. You begin to wonder if there is an endless supply of dancers while, all the time, you are hoping there is not.

I hope you continue to enjoy my photos. Soon, more photos will follow.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[wadepat]

Fantastic! The variety of the ceremonial clothing is simply astounding. I am embarrassed to admit that while I know of the Pottawatomie tribe, I know nothing about them and the only thing I ever associated the Pottawatomi name with was John Brown. Thanks for posting these wonderful pictures of what was, obviously, a beautiful and meaningful event. -- Al

Superb pictures Pat, really been enjoying these, thanks ever so much for sharing them here.

Rob

Hi Al and Rob,

You are most welcome. Al, you are correct, the event was incredibly beautiful and meaningful. Diane and I are still talking about it.

As an aside, anyone who knows me understands I eagerly wait 51 weeks each year for the arrival of the Chicago Toy Soldier Show. Now, I also eagerly wait 51 weeks each year for the arrival of the Pow Wow. Obviously, we will return to the event next year.

I hope you continue to enjoy the photos. I have many more to share.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part V, The Grand Entry, A Few Individuals


As you have seen in the previous photographs I have posted, the dancers entering the arena are doing so in single file. They are moving slowly around the circular lawn, but every so often, I was able to capture and photograph a single figure within the line. The beauty of some of these single person photographs is one can focus on and study the facial expressions, the details of the clothing, and the spirit with which they dance.

Many of the dancers wore bells or had bells attached to the instruments they carried. Consequently, in spite of the absence of drumming, the dancing was far from silent. The overall atmosphere was one of high spirits and great celebration. In fact, the atmosphere seemed filled with electricity. I wished each of you could have been there to share the experience Diane and I were enjoying.

Well, I suspect you have endured enough of my idle chatter for one day. If I have not worn you down too badly, you might enjoy viewing the attached photographs of some individual performers.



Photo 042: If you look closely at this individual, you will see the bells of which I spoke attached around his ankle. You might also linger a moment and study his clothing. It is drop dead gorgeous.



Photo: 053: This gentleman presents a striking image as his clothing includes orange, white, blue, and green colors. In addition, further accent is achieved by painting his forehead.



Photo: 054: This is the same gentleman you saw in photograph #053. In this shot you are able to view his backside.



Photo 057: I was able to snap a picture of this dancer’s backside as he presented it to the audience while he danced past our position. The feathers of his bustle are most impressive.



Photo 058: The individual you see in this photo is the same gentleman whose backside you viewed in the previous photograph. He is in the process of turning to face the audience while he continues to dance. I think he presents a very remarkable image.

I hope you continue to follow my adventure. My story is not nearly finished. More photos will soon follow.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part VI, The Grand Entry, More Dancers


If you have been following our story, you know that, by now, a number of dancers have already entered the arena. Great magic seemed to fill the air as our eyes followed the dancers who were slowly dancing around the circular lawn. At one point, we glanced back at the point of entry and realized more and more dancers were entering the arena. As they did so, it became difficult to focus on any one individual and the scene almost became a blur of a thousand colors.

Now, imagine this old geezer and his pitifully obsolete digital camera. Those of you who are familiar with my photographic skills know I have none and I have much work ahead of me in order to qualify as a mere novice amateur photographer. However, I did remember my camera had a zoom lens and I tried to zoom in and out to catch the beauty of each moment. Unfortunately, the movement of the crowd and the instant necessary for the camera to zoom from one position to another made it extremely difficult to capture all the photos I wanted. Consequently, I turned to my tried and true method of point and click. Fortunately, the method worked well enough to document the crowded entry of additional dancers.

Enjoy the photos found below. Before too long, I shall send you some more.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 059: Dancers entering the arena present the audience with a sea of colors.



Photo 067: As more dancers enter the arena, the scene appears chaotic, but it is not. The dancers are well organized and their movements are nicely coordinated.



Photo 068: This photo does a better job of revealing there is plenty of room between each of the dancers. The movement of one dancer does not inhibit the movements of other dancers.



Photo 069: Please let us know if you can confidently count all the colors displayed on the dancer in the center of this photo.



Photo 070: You have seen these two dancers in photo #069. Now you are able see a closer view.

 

[Wendy]

That brings back memories of going to Pow Wows in back in college (albeit, much smaller than that one) here in MI. (A friend in a seminary class made cradle boards by hand. Isn't that how it goes? You don't know about it until you know someone participating...) Yeah, I don't know how the singers can sing as long as they do.

 

[wadepat]

That brings back memories of going to Pow Wows in back in college (albeit, much smaller than that one) here in MI. (A friend in a seminary class made cradle boards by hand. Isn't that how it goes? You don't know about it until you know someone participating...) Yeah, I don't know how the singers can sing as long as they do.

Hi Wendy,

Yes, that is how it goes. It never occurred to me to attend a Pow Wow until I knew some of the native people. And, like you, I do not know how they can sing so long, or even dance nearly so long. They are an amazing group of people.

I hope you are enjoying the photos and I am pleased they bring back fond memories. It was a truly thrilling experience to attend this Pow Wow.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part VII, The Grand Entry, A Few More Individuals

Gentle Friends,

My feeble attempts to photograph the folks participating in this amazing event were frequently thwarted by wanting to photograph a person only to have him disappear behind a post or to have someone stand up or move in front of him. However, every so often, I did succeed in isolating a single individual who was clearly worthy of a closer view. Mind you, every one of the participants were worthy of closer views, but my reflexes, the limitations of my camera, the available space on my memory card, and the drama emerging before me would not let me record every moment.

Below you should find five photographs of individuals as they momentarily appeared before me. I think you will agree they are remarkable men who are stunningly dressed.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 062: An Impressive Man.



Photo 065: A Man on a Mission.



Photo 074: A Handsome Example of a Proud Man.



Photo 076: A Colorful Backside.



Photo 078: Dancing at its Best.

 

[REVWARBUFF]

Thanks for sharing these Pat. What a wonderful experience you and Diane must have had. I have never atteneded a Pow Wow and I doubt that many of the other forum members have either so your pictures help us in that regard. Thanks again.

Mark

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part VIII, The Grand Entry, More Dancers Enter


Gentle Friends,

As the Pow Wow gains momentum, more dancers enter the arena. And, as these dancers enter the arena, additional patterns and colors explode into our field of vision. We begin to realize what we see is not a happening nor is it an event. Rather, it is a living drama of ancient origin. It is impressive. It is bold and strong. It is educational and informative. And, just to be clear, it is also great fun.

Below you should find five more of my photographs of the dancers who are continuing to file into the arena.

More photos of this hugely festive celebration will soon follow.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 072: More dancers enter the arena.



Photo 073: Still more dancers file into the arena.



Photo 075: The line of dancers lengthens.



Photo 079: A mass of colors and shapes.



Photo 080: The Parade Continues.

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part IX, Fabulous Feathers


Gentle Friends,

As you watch the Pow Wow participants enter the arena, you cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the beauty of the feather work that is presented for your view. Time and time again, I found myself saying to Diane, “Look that those wonderful feathers!” Of course, I attempted to photograph all that I could in order to remember the spectacle of the day. In short, the feather work was astonishing, awe inspiring, and marvelous. If you examine the photos below, you will begin to see what I mean.

I also want to add that if you continue to follow our adventure, you will see more of the beautiful feather work that appeared at the Pow Wow. The photos below only provide you with a brief glimpse of the elaborate adornments worn by the dancers. There is more to come.

Enjoy!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 081: A very colorful pair of dancers.



Photo 083: I was able to snap a quick photograph of this fellow just before he disappeared behind a post.



Photo 084: Astonishing colors.



Photo 085: A beautiful multi-colored backside.



Photo 086: Triple the fun!

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part X, Enter the Women


Gentle Friends,

Until now, the dancers you have seen have all been men. The reason for this is simply that the men precede the women in the Grand Entry. However, soon the women begin to make their entry into the arena and their presence provides an additional expansiveness to the celebration.
As you can quickly tell from the photographs below, the attire worn by the women is distinctly feminine which provides a nice contrast to the bold and elaborate adornments displayed on the men.

The style of dancing performed by the women is clearly quite different than the dancing displayed by the men. During the Grand Entry, the women dance with their arms loosely hanging by their sides and with their backs remaining ramrod straight. The steps they take are small and deliberate. The dancing steps are purposeful, skilled, and obviously greatly practiced. Clearly, these women have been carefully and thoughtfully taught to reproduce dances that were created long ago. And, the effect is beautiful, stunning, and remarkable.

Soon, I will provide you with more photos of the women entering the arena. For now, enjoy the photos below.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 087: Women Dancers Entering the Arena.



Photo 088: Note how this young lady stands straight and looks forward with her arms by her side.



Photo 089: With the use of a feathered fan, this lady shields her face from the sun.



Photo 090: Instead of shielding her face from the sun, the lady in the center of the photo provides us with an excellent view of her face.



Photo 091: Can you imagine the love and patience required to make the clothing this young woman is wearing?

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XI, Dancing Women


Gentle Friends,

As the Pow Wow progressed, more and more dancing women entered the arena. Of course, the men were still present and still dancing, but the introduction of the women into the celebration contributed greatly to the spectacular atmosphere of the event.

As you examine the photos below, you will notice the shadows are lengthening. The sun is slowly sinking toward the horizon of the western sky. However, there is much more dancing and celebrating before day’s end.

By now, you have probably noticed that many of the dancers are wearing numbers. Those who have the numbers are competitors in the drumming and dancing competitions. The competitions were serious business as there were more than $100,000 worth of prizes at stake. The prizes, as well as the simple joy of the celebration, attract competitors from a wide variety of tribes and nations. Many dancers and drummers from across the United States and Canada will follow the Pow Wow Circuit and move from Pow Wow to Pow Wow during the warm months in order compete for prizes and prestige. I think it is a good thing they do because it allows all of us to see the best of the best.

Enjoy the photos!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 092: Beautiful Traditional Clothing.



Photo 093: Ladies of all ages join in the fun.



Photo 094: The Women continue to dance around the arena.



Photo 101: Bright and wonderful colors.



Photo 102: “I can spread my wings and fly!”

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XII, The Beat Goes On


Gentle Friends,

Assuming you have been following my narrative, you know the Grand Entry is well under way. In fact, it has been underway for almost an hour. The shadows are lengthening in the arena. But, as you can see, the celebration and the dancing continue.

With more and more dancers entering the arena, the uniqueness of each participant’s clothing and adornments becomes increasingly interesting. In addition, a glance across the arena lawn clearly indicates the crowd has been growing.

Below are a few photos of participants who were dancing in front of where we were seated. Needless to say, we were still spellbound by what we were observing.

Enjoy the show and the photos!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 103: Rarely were any two dancers dressed alike.



Photo 105: The many colors continue to amaze.



Photo 106: Another intricately and beautifully adorned dancer.



Photo 107: Amazing and impressive colors.



Photo 108: The young lady in the center of this photo found her way into my camera on several occasions. You will see her again later.

 

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The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XIII, The Children


Gentle Friends,

Eventually, dancing children entered the arena. They were dressed in the finest regalia as were their parents. All ages of children were present and participating. One young man, who could not have been more than two years old, caught our eye as he danced almost continuously for at least an hour and one half. Every time I tried to photograph him, he would dart behind a post or an adult would suddenly block the view. Sadly, I do not have a good photograph of him, but he was something special to see and to watch.

About the time the children made their appearance, the dancers were beginning to mingle with one another. Social relationships among the dancers were becoming evident. It was a pleasure to watch persons of differing ages, genders, and stations in life as they interacted socially.

Below are a few photographs of some of the children who danced in front of us. Observing them was a most delightful experience.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 110: Three young people on a dancing mission.



Photo 112: Age did not matter. All ages were welcome in the celebration.



Photo 113: The young man dressed in red and blue is demonstrating his superior dancing skills.



Photo 118: The young girl in the center of the photo who is dressed in red and green is another person who found herself in front of my camera several times. I think you will see her again later.



Photo 120: Two youngsters make their way through the shadows and the dancers.