1. Unit 2: Native American Music
Music From Around the World
Unit 2: Native American Music

2. Historical Overview
Native peoples have inhabited the Western Hemisphere for thousands of years.
Long before Christopher Columbus in 1492,
Many nations- unique languages, traditions
Europeans “invade” and convert (history of tension and violence)
Racist laws (Removal and conversion)
Some cultures and traditions are now recognized, but Native Americans still face subtle racism today, and blatant disregard in Central/South America.
In spite of all these challenges, Native cultures and traditions survive to this day. There are more than 30 million Native peoples living in the Western Hemisphere. In the United States, there are more than 562 federally recognized tribes.

3. The Pow-Wow
First used to describe a large gathering of Native Americans during the 17th century
Modern pow-wows are celebrations of Native American culture and include displays of tribal arts and crafts
Basic Theme of all pow-wows = friendship and unity among all tribes

5. Stylistic Regions Eastern Woodlands Plains Great Basin and Plateau
Southwest (Pueblo and Apachean)
California
Northwest Coast

6. Native American Music
Vocalization and percussion are the most important aspects of traditional Native American music.
Vocalization takes many forms, ranging from solo and choral song to call and response, unison and multipart singing.
Percussion, especially drums and rattles, are common accompaniment to keep the rhythm steady for the singers
Vocables (syllables such as hey, ya, loi) that do not have a direct translation but nonetheless have meaning in culture are frequently used

7. Use of Music in Culture Religious Ceremonies Healing Ceremonies
Work songs
Game songs
Storytelling
Courting songs
Social songs and dances
Songs to bring success in hunting, war, and agriculture
SYMBOLISM

8. Song Topics Historical songs Tribal flag songs National anthems
Courtship songs
Dancing songs

9. Dance Forms Circle Dances Flag Song Grand Entry Eagle Dance
Jingle Dance
Hoop Dancing
The hoop represents the circle of life, which has no beginning or end, as well as the endless cycles of day and night and summer and winter. In some tribes, hoop dances have a healing role to restore balance and harmony to the world; these dances are generally not performed outside of healing ceremonies or for outsiders. Those kinds of hoop dances that are performed or featured in competitions and at pow-wows are called intertribal dances.

10. Let’s Watch!! Tony Duncan performs Hoop Dance at HEARD Museum
Tony Duncan performs Hoop Dance at HEARD Museum
Took home 1st place in the Adult Division at the 2011 Hoop Dance Competition
As you watch, take note of what shapes you see him make with the hoops! What could those shapes symbolize?