jennycfotograf.se - Native Americans

©Jenny Christenson

©Jenny Christenson

Pow Wow Dancer Josh Zunker, member of Ho Chunk Nation = People of the Sacred Voice, Wisconsin, USA

A wacipi - powwow - is a Native American gathering focused on dance, song and family celebration. It celebrates the connections to tradition and spirituality, to the Earth and to one another in a social, personal and spiritual meeting.

Movements may be patterned after animals or signal pride or acknowledgement of a special meaning in the song. Some dancers are judged on speed and footwork well.

"Identity and history a mask to wear regardless if you try to hide it or if you try to make it as colourful as possible." Tommy Orange regarding his novel Pow Wow.

Litteraturmagasinets recension av Tommy Oranges bok Pow Wow (There, there eng. titel.)

Aftonbladets intervju med Tommy Orange och hans bok Pow Wow

© Jenny Christenson

When dancing, being in time with the drum beat is important. While each dance has its own style, the dancer is judged on rhythm and must be able to end the dance with both feet on the ground precisely when the music stops.

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