Music of Indigenous Americans
After watching the documentary in class I was very interested in the Fancy Dance both the dress and style of music. While researching the Fancy Dance in more depth, I learned that one type called the Fancy War Dance was developed by Gus Mcdonald. He was a Native American from the Ponca tribe in Oklahoma. McDonald had a huge impact on the Native American culture; the current matriarch of the Ponca tribe, Julep Farmer McDonald, presents the trophy to the winner of the Fancy War Dance. Part of the Fancy War Dance is the “feather pull” that Gus McDonald also invented. It evaluates the dancer’s agility and ability to keep time with the drum. One interesting fact is that the “feather pull” can only be done with permission of the McDonald family. Additionally, the Fancy War Dance is used as a form or prayer to respect the ancestors and specifically for the McDonald family.
G, About Paul. “Native American Fancy DANCE: What Is Fancy Feather Dancing?” PowWows.com, 1 Feb. 2020, www.powwows.com/fancy-feather-dancing/.
“The Native American Fancy Dance.” National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 9 May 2019, nationalcowboymuseum.org/explore/the-native-american-fancy-dance/.
While searching for some different Native American musicians, I was introduced to Joanne Shenandoah. She is more of a modern Native American musician. Her songs are more conjunct and the range is not too large. It is very monophonic and she uses the drums to keep the beat. Although, one difference is she uses guitars, and they keep the beat with the drums. This is a change to traditional Native American music. Joanne Shenandoah is a part of the Oneida Nation of Iroqouis confederacy. Her father was an Onondaga chief and jazz guitarist. I thought that was unique, but it also helps me understand why her music is so calming. She tells her ancestors’ stories through contemporary and traditional music. One of her songs is attached below.
Romero, Angel. “Artist Profiles: Joanne Shenandoah: World Music Central.org.” World Music Central.org | Your Connection to Traditional and Contemporary World Music, Including Folk, Roots, Global Music, Ethno and Crosscultural Fusions, 3 Nov. 2019, worldmusiccentral.org/2019/11/03/artist-profiles-joanne-shenandoah/.
The last thing that I researched about Native American culture is storytelling. While this does not have too much involvement in music, I thought it was just really interesting to find more information about. One creation I came upon was the storyteller doll. This was developed by Helen Cordero in 1964. She was a Cochiti Pueblo potter from New Mexico. Helen Cordero was inspired to make this doll to honor her grandfather that passed down many stories orally. Similar to many generations of Native Americans, their history is passed down orally, so this doll symbolizes this process. The doll has an open-mouthed figure as the center surrounded by children, animals, or both. Occasionally in the structure, there are more items related to the Native Americans such as drums, pottery, or rugs. More regarding Helen Cordero and the dolls are in the video attached below.
House, Kachina, et al. “What Is the Native American Storyteller Doll?” Kachina House's Blog, blog.kachinahouse.com/what-is-the-native-american-storyteller-doll/.
I have never heard of Shenandoah but I think I will have to listen to a few more of her songs! I love her voice and how soothing the song is, it truly reminds me of something in a movie. I also love any sort of music that has such a deep and meaningful story behind it. The serendipitous story within the last video about the story telling doll, and how she originally used to the materials to make bowls but failed is so cool. Then she attempted to make figures and boom! I had ever heard of storyteller dolls, but I love art and how intricate each doll is.
ReplyDeleteHey Alyssa! I found the "feather pull" very fascinating on how it improves a dancer agility, and how it has to be approve by the McDonald family. I actually never heard of the storyteller dolls while growing up, it's very interesting that its past down from generations. That its something every generation looks forward to being given. This overall structure of the doll is very peaceful and welcoming, not scary at all. Great Blog!
ReplyDeleteThe different types of dances at the Powwow was interesting to me as well. I was wondering why there were different types and what the purpose of each one was. To add to your fancy dance description, it was created in order to aviod government percecution at a time when the United States and Canada were outlawing traditional Native dances and rituals.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty cool hearing about the feather pulling dance. Ive always seen the dances they would do on the videos in class, but learning about this one was different. It was pretty cool on how he had to explain the agility and footwork about the dance, and for the Native Americans to pick that up in their culture was pretty interesting.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my favorite part of your blog was the storyteller dolls. I Love crafts and art in general. I love that the dolls have a story behind them and aren’t just playthings for children. You choose very interesting things to research and write about, thanks for sharing!
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