Can I tell you...about the American Indian Powwow in Brooklyn. Last weekend on a spur of the moment, David and I decided to drive out to Brooklyn to finally see this yearly festival. It's been going on for the past 15 years organized by Red Hawk Council. I've always been interested in Native American culture, costumes, traditions, customs and language. I saw some Hollywood movies as a child and I got hooked. Dustin Hoffman in "Little Big Man" & Richard Harris in a "A Man called Horse". To be specific I was particularly interested in the Sioux and Cheyenne Nations. 
Tales of Sitting Bull, Red Cloud and Crazy Horse captivated my imagination. I would draw the battle of Little Big Horn or Custer's Last Stand on my chalkboard again and again. I even had a teepee made out of canvas to play in. I also read "Bury My Heart as Wounded Knee" which is still one of my favorite books.
The program had a variety of different dances showcasing styles and choreography from different tribes from the North East to the South West. The audience was just as diverse. We were in New York after all. I wasn't disappointed with the dancing. As soon as the drum beat started and the shrill tremolo was heard, I got goose bumps all over. 
Maybe it was seeing the recent "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" HBO TV movie that reignited my interest all over again. Will you see fringe in my next collection. No but never say never. I'm really glad I went and witnessed this yearly gathering. I can check it off my list now or maybe eventually make my way to North Dakota for a larger powwow.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Powwow
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10 comments:
how do you keep coming up with such inspiring and amazing posts?! these photos are really great!
superbe reportage, les photos sont tres belles.
superb report, the photographs are very beautiful.
I have only been to one Pow Wow and it was just incredible....I was just awestruck, I was lucky enough to be able to go to one that was of the tribe that I am 1/16th of, which is Abenaki
so will you be using lots of turquoise colors and fringe???
A very interesting post, Rafe, and the photos are spectacular!
Your photos are amazing!! I love the colors and the movements of the feathers. Looked like a cool event to attend.
Sounds amazing and the photos are superb!
somebody told me about your blog and I'm glad I checked it out. cool shots and well written. boy, you're one busy bee. I'll be sure to check you out once a week, right? congratulations on everything, you deserve every bit of success that comes your way.
Somehow, no matter how hard I try, I manage to miss the event every year. Thanks for the great report and wonderful photos.
Blather From Brooklyn
Amazing photos! You really captured the magic.
Man, all those costumes are inspiring me to add a little American Indian fashion to my wardrobe.
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