MUSIC OF THE PRAIRIES & PLAINS

READ (The Plains – Bison Region) pp. 35-40 in text

Since 1960’s Plains Indians are dominant image in media and at Intertribal (Pan-Indian) events, particularly powwows

Music of the Plains Region

--Preserved through oral tradition and memory

--Usually performed vocally in unison/monophony by (usually male) choruses

--Sometimes accompanied by percussion instruments

--Generally short, well-defined phrases; often attached sharply with strong emphases

--prominent repetition of text phrases

Basic unit – song (with repetitions)

--strophic form in song

--purely instrumental is rare except for flute

--mostly idiophones

Men predominate in musical activities of most areas.

--they are lead singers and compose songs.

--play powwow drums

Women sing individual songs (lullabies, etc.)

--perform dances.

Group and solo singing both common

Characteristics of Plains song style:

• Use of Vocables – non-lexical syllables (“he-ye-ho-we”)

(Majority of songs contain either entirely or partly vocables.)

• Powwow and PanIndian songs include some English.
• High-pitched, descending, or terraced melody (contour) “tumbling strain” melodies
• Large range

Characteristics of Plains vocal style:

• Vocal tension
• Use of falsetto
• Intense, heavy rhythmic pulsation
• End of song markers or cadential patterns (may include pulsation, calls, yells, etc.—“huh-huh-huh” with downward glide)

Plains and Powwow Drum Style

• No solo drumming
• Accompanies voice
• Drum with single stick
• up to 8 performers on powwow drum
• duple meters are characteristic

Plains – Bison Region

See IOWA ROOTS Website:

http://www.iowaartscouncil.org/programs/folk-and-traditional-arts/iowa-roots/index.htm

Meskwaki of Tama, Iowa

Indigenous peoples have been living in region of state of Iowa for at least 12,000 years.

--15 different tribes have inhabited Iowa

--Name of State comes from IOWAY people, an agricultural society

Most prominent in the state are Meskwaki – “Red Earth people”

-Historically related to Great Lakes region (also called Sac, the Fox,

the Outagamies, and the Renards)

--Meskwaki arrived shortly before Anglos. Unable to defend territory and forced to reservations in Kansas. But in 1850 returned to the state and purchased land in the Tama area, where they established a community known as the Meskwaki Indian Settlement.

--Perpetuate community through events

—Annual Meskwaki Powwow since 1913.

--Active in Pan-Indian movement

Everett Kapayou – NEA National Heritage Fellowship Awardee

--important contributor to preserving traditional culture

--known for his “mood songs”, stories and jokes

--also sings war dance songs, round dance, 49’ers

--sometimes sings in English to teach younger generation

--concludes songs with characteristic glissando, rhythmic pulsation,

yells

• Video examples of Plains music: Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, Powwow

POW-WOW – from Algonquian word “pawwaw” first recorded in 1827, referred to “religious practitioners” and curing ceremonies. Made its way into English with “tomahawk, wampum, and wigwam”

--Intertribal powwows originated in Oklahoma in 1920’s as symbol of “Indianness” and deep-seated cultural pride.

--Include everything from sacred rituals, to women’s victory dances and social dances for fun and friendship

--Are dynamic, creative (changing) expressions

--Community social events and dance performances

--Displays honor and prestige; May be sponsored by a family in recognition of accomplishments of family member

• Every powwow begins with a “grand-entry” – a formal procession of all costumed contestants

--dance single file into and around the perimeter of dance area

• Flag song. Veterans carry American flag, state flag, and banners

--flag song, in regular, slow drum rhythm. Performed with great solemnity. Now Native American flag song.

• Moderator announces events.

--Mostly War dances – reinforce cultural practices. Overt political statement. Warrior fighter has given way to “warrior dancer” (mimic traditional military movements)

--sometimes mimic wolf dance (movements of stalking prey)

--adopted from nature

Grass Dance or Omaha Dance (Plains origin from Prairie tribes of Nebraska and Omaha)– named after blades of grass worn in the bustles. Elaborate movement with basic toe-heel step.

--each piece of grass represents slain enemies

Fancy dance – Intricate footwork, bustles, headdresses, accoutrements.

--Round dances –circle dance side-stepping to the left holding hands

--Two-Step -the only couples dance, holding hands, side-by-side

--Borrow songs – “Amazing Grace” (white man’s song)

Sioux word – “pawankiye” meaning “push-ups” – indicates number of times song is repeated.

Ways to behave:

If eagle eather drops during dancing, everything stops until it has been properly returned

Regalia not to be touched—delicate heirlooms. Valuable.

Honor the Drug-free; alcohol-free policy.

Study Guide: Exam 1
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