Native American Powwows: Stories Through Art Quiz

Answer: The Gourd Dance

The Gourd Dance was originally one of the dances of the Kiowa people. The Gourd Dance was the offshoot of the Kiowa Sundance, which was no longer being used by the people. After the Warrior Society and Black Leggings Society adapted these songs, the Gourd Dance found its way to many other Native American tribes outside of the Kiowas and soon was adopted by many area powwows, regional powwows, and other Native American societies as a prelude dance to the powwow that should occur right before the Flag Dance, and at no other time.

Answer: The Grand Entry

After the prelude of the powwow, the first dance that is used is the Flag Dance. During this dance, all present traditionally march into the arena with their tribal flags lifted high. After the Flag Dance, the next dance to happen is called the Grand Entry. During the Grand Entry, all of the dancers will traditionally come into the arena and start their dances.

Answer: The Fancy Dance

The modern day Fancy Dance comes from the people of the Omaha. The Omahas had a dance named the Feather Dance, from which the Fancy Dance stems today, that is danced in a war beat. In modern days, powwows allow for both the Northern and Southern style war beat during this dance. The fancy and intricate regalia in this dance is another custom attributed to the Kiowa people.

Answer: Tobacco

Many customs originate on how to play the drum today. Most of the Native American drums you will find have their own names. Also, it is traditional to pass the tobacco around the circle and sprinkle some on the drum wishing for something good to happen. Also, nothing is ever passed over the drum itself, instead it is passed around the drum.

Answer: Woman

Although it is not fully known where the origins of the Jingle Dance are from, a majority of people believe it is from the Ojibwa Nation. This dance probably has one of the most interesting stories around it. The Jingle Dance was believed to originate as a healing dance, and whoever the dancer was would be healed.

It's not that fact that makes this dance interesting ... it's the regalia. The dress is made up of 365 cones, each one representing one day of the year and at one time they used Copenhagen jars on the dress.

The dress was also blessed carefully with sage.

Answer: Arrow

In my opinion, the Women's Traditional category is one of the most beautiful and elaborate dances I have ever witnessed in my life. The dance reflects what a normal Native American woman on a reservation would have worn in the mid-1800's, thus the beaded outfit, shawl, and the feathered fan.

This dance is characterized by the slow, graceful movements of the woman as she constantly stands upright proudly.

Answer: Clock-wise

I cannot stress this enough, the arena is sacred ground. You should treat the arena of a powwow as you would of a church, a mosque, a synagogue, a temple, or your house ... you should treat it with respect. Native Americans regard the arena as highly sacred ground. Profanity and unruly behavior should never be used on or around the arena, as it is a major disrespect to the Native American religion. You should also only go in when and where the MC tells you to and when he tells you to. You should never walk across the arena, instead you should walk around it clock-wise.

Answer: Buckskin Dance

The Buckskin Dance is a dance that is reserved for woman. The Buckskin Dance is so named because of the beautiful buckskin dresses the women wear. In the Northern Style of the Dance, the women wear most of their upper shawl with beads, while in the Southern Style dress, the woman only use the beads to accent the dress. The Buckskin dance is slow and poised as the women circle the drum.

Answer: Roach

The men's Grass Dance has a very interesting history to it. Although it is not fully known where it is originated, the dress is believed to be from when Native American boys took grass and tied it on their dresses and the moves of the Grass Dance are believed to be the moves of the Native Americans of the prairie stomping the grass out so a dance could be held there.

Answer: Drum

Thank-you for playing my quiz. I really hope that now you have a better understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of what Native American powwows are and that you know realize that Native American powwows and dance are much more than fancy clothing, intricate footwork, and beautiful music. The powwow in all reality reminds Native Americans and us who they truly are.