The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow (2 Viewers)

[wadepat]

The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XIV, Backbones, Backsides, and Bustles.


Gentle Friends,

Perhaps the most impressive pieces of the ceremonial regalia worn by the dancers were found on their backsides. The range of colors, the configuration of feathers, and the decorative cloth converged to make a truly impressive sight.

Below you should find five photographs illustrating the beauty of the traditional ceremonial dress. Enjoy!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 137: While you are noting the beauty of the feathers and the bustle, you might notice the little girl in the center of the photograph. You have seen her before. And, you will see her again. She displayed the most interesting of facial expressions.



Photo 138: More bright and dynamic colors.



Photo 139: All I can say is, “Wow!”



Photo 201: It is difficult to imagine how these adornments were made.



Photo 247: More beautiful ceremonial clothing.

 

[wadepat]

The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XV, The Shadows Lengthen.


Gentle Friends,

If you have survived the discussion of our adventure to this point, you will have noticed the shadows on the arena lawn have lengthened. The daylight is fading as the night is slowly approaching. Fortunately, at least for me, there continues to be sufficient light to capture a few more images.

The photographs below were all taken late in the day. They do not fit any neat organizational category. I simply present them as interesting moments in the dazzling display of visual delightfulness that has characterized our adventure.

Enjoy!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 140



Photo 147



Photo 151



Photo 156



Photo 163

 

[Bren]

Thanks for the pics we sometimes receive Lakota programs through our indigenous programming NITV. Fascinating culture it appears they struggle with similar sociai issues to our aboriginal communities here in Australia. Great to see a positive celebration of their heritage/culture.

 

[wadepat]

The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XVI, The Light Fantastic.


Gentle Friends,

In my last message, I indicated the shadows were growing and night was approaching at the Pow Wow. As a result, we would soon be leaving the event to start our journey home. We wished would could have stayed longer, but we wanted to get on the highway before all light was lost.

However, the waning light and the tricky shadows allowed for some most interesting and excellent visual effects. Fortunately, I was able to capture a few of these effects with my camera. You may view them below. I think they are special.

With light giving away to darkness, our day and our adventure were almost complete. My next message will be the last in this lengthy story. Your patience and interest has been most appreciated.

Enjoy the photos below!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 149: This young boy’s feathers glow in the light.



Photo 150: The light almost seems to set the feathers afire.



Photo 158: The boy appears to be encased in magical fire.



Photo 159: The old ways and the new technology.



Photo 160: The light’s last gasp.

 

[wadepat]

The Great Pottawatomi Pow Wow – Part XVII, The Conclusion.


Gentle Friends,

I want to thank all of you for your patience and your kindness in receiving all my photos and my lengthy discussions. As you doubtless know, we were greatly impressed with the event and we simply wanted to share it with others. We hope we caused you no serious discomfort.

In concluding my discussion of the Pow Wow, I want to thank our Pottawatomi friends for the friendship that has been freely extended to us and for the history, beliefs, and traditions that have been shared with us. The relationships and knowledge we have gained from our friends have reaffirmed for us one of life’s greatest lessons. That is to say, when we suspend the limits of time and space and when we transcend the differences of religion and politics, of nationality and culture, and of gender, race, and preferences, we learn we are all more alike than we are different.

Enjoy these last few photos.

See you down the road.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat



Photo 009: The gaze of a beautiful young woman.



Photo 011: A painted face to remember.



Photo 180: A drummer and his son. You may remember the drummer from earlier photos. He had his young son with him and together they watched the Grand Entry. It was touching to watch the two of them as they were clearly very close to one another.



Photo 193: A face from the past.



Photo 234: A moment of meditation.

 

[johnnybach]

A stunning visual - and sounds also a somewhat emotional experience Pat. Thanks for sharing the pics - just wonderful. jb

P.S - 310 is the winner!