Saturday, June 9, 2012

Black and White Weekend - Tradition

Oklahoma became a state in 1907.  Before that it was Oklahoma Indian Territory.  People of many tribes were relocated here during the 19th century and a significant number of Oklahomans are of American Indian descent.  I am part Cherokee.  Powwows are held in many places and feature colorful dancing competitions.  The big powwows in Tulsa and Oklahoma City are open to all tribes.  These events are an important way in which customs are honored and passed down from generation to generation.  Here we see a father helping his son with a very fine costume for the junior dancing contest.  They are each wearing a porcupine roach.  The roach is typically constructed of porcupine guard hair (not quills) and hair from the tail of the white-tail deer.

For more information see Oklahoma American Indian Nations.  Also Powwows.
For a terrific video of Oklahoma Fancy Dancing at a Tulsa Powwow, click HERE.


More Black and White Weekend

9 comments:

Leedslass said... [Reply to comment]

When I saw your heading I guessed it was something to do with Topol and Fiddler on the Roof- two and two makes five with me!!!
However, lovely picture and poignant father and son image. I'm sure you must have told us before about your heritage but I'd forgotten.

elleona said... [Reply to comment]

Bonjour

C'est toujours intéressant de redécouvrir le passé de l'Oklahoma.

Rune said... [Reply to comment]

Very fine shot, and fascinating information. Wish you a fine weekend!

A Bit of the Blarney said... [Reply to comment]

Beautiful picture!!! I have always loved to attend exhibitions of Native American history and their dancing. Wishing you well! Cathy

Cheri said... [Reply to comment]

Great photo although I bet the costumes were beautiful in color also. When I was a little girl we would go to Pow-Wows here around where I live.

Dragonstar said... [Reply to comment]

Excellent photo, and information too.

HansHB said... [Reply to comment]

Great shots!
So good in B&W!

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

What a fabulous image - and the background is so interesting.

Mine is at http://www.quasiserendipita.com

RobertN said... [Reply to comment]

Beautiful post! Best wishes!