What are the primary differences between stomp dances and
powwows? What is the aim of each? What function does each serve in Native
American culture? What expectations does each have of the performers? Of the
audience?
According to Victoria E. Sanchez in
“Intertribal Dance and Cross Cultural Communication: Traditional Powwows in
Ohio,” the author begins by explaining exactly what a powwow is. “Powwows are
American Indian celebrations of community and spirituality, featuring American
Indian drum and dance as well as vendors offering American Indian foods, craft
items and various other materials.” The aim of powwows is to celebrate center
events or situations. According to Sanchez, they begin as tribal dances for
situations like, “healing ceremonies, preparations for and return from war,
hunting celebrations, spiritual celebrations.”
However, currently the powwow is more of “a social event emphasizing
spirituality.” Therefore, the aim and function of these dances are a celebration
of spiritual beliefs held by Native Americans.
Jason Baird Jackson discusses stomp
dances in his article, “The Opposite of Powwow: Ignoring and Incorporating the
Intertribal War Dance in the Oklahoma Stomp Dance Community.” This article
focuses on stomp dances in Oklahoma. The function of the stomp dance is to
perform these dances on ceremonial grounds. These dances occur at night. It is
different from powwows in the fact that it does not have a drum in the center
of the dance. Men also contribute vocals to these performances.
Performers and audience are an
important part of stomp dances. According to Jason Baird Jackson, the audience
and performers are sometimes connected by powwows, bridging a gap between
American Indians and Native Americans.
-Monica Strauss
