Objectives

Key Themes and Purpose

Key themes explored in this unit include:

• The intersection of religion, spirituality, and dance

• The role of dance in social and political mobilization

• The impact of colonization and forced assimilation on dance traditions

• The resurgence of Indigenous dance and its effects on a unified indigenous identity

Why Learn The History of Indigenous Dance?

Understanding the history of Native American dance and ritual is imperative for several reasons. First and foremost, these practices remain deeply ingrained in the lives of Indigenous peoples today.

Dance and ritual serve as vital conduits to cultural heritage, spiritual connection, and community cohesion. By exploring the historical context of these traditions, we gain a profound appreciation for their enduring significance and the challenges faced by Native nations in preserving them.   

Moreover, studying Native American dance and ritual is essential for comprehending the broader tapestry of American history. As Philip J. Deloria argues in Playing Indian, the pervasive influence of Native American cultures on mainstream American society has been both acknowledged and denied. Dance and ritual offer tangible examples of this cultural exchange, demonstrating how Indigenous worldviews and practices have shaped the nation’s identity. By examining these historical dances, we can begin to deconstruct stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the American past.

Ultimately, this exploration is a step towards reconciliation and respect. It invites us to recognize the contributions of Native peoples to the fabric of American life and to challenge the colonial narratives that have marginalized their experiences.

The Great Plains People

Key Points of the video:

• Early History:

  • By 700 A.D., many native people migrated to the Great Plains from the southwest.

  • Early settlements focused on agriculture, particularly maize, leading to the development of both nomadic and sedentary tribes.

  • Around 1200 A.D., more native people migrated to the region, attracted by the abundance of bison.

  • Bison became a central resource, providing meat, clothing, tools, and more.

• Impact of Horses:

  • In the mid-1500s, Europeans introduced horses, revolutionizing the lives of the Plains people.

  • Horses enhanced hunting, transportation, and warfare capabilities.

• Cultural Practices:

  • Plains tribes developed a common sign language to facilitate communication.

  • Ceremonial dances played a significant role in their culture.

• Challenges and Decline:

  • Westward expansion of American settlers led to the near-extinction of bison, devastating the Plains people's way of life.

  • The U.S. government forced many tribes onto reservations, further disrupting their traditions.

• Legacy:

  • Despite the challenges, many Plains tribes continue to preserve their culture and traditions today.

This video highlights the rich history and resilience of the Great Plains Native Americans, showcasing their adaptability, resourcefulness, and deep connection to the land and its resources.

Discussions:

• The video shows how the Great Plains people shifted from a nomadic to a more settled lifestyle, largely due to the introduction of horses and the development of agriculture. How did these changes affect their society, and can you think of any similar examples in history or even today where a new technology or resource caused a major shift in how people lived?

• The video mentions that despite facing numerous challenges, many Great Plains tribes continue to exist today and are actively working to maintain their culture and traditions. What are some ways you think these tribes might be preserving their heritage, and can you think of other cultures around the world that are also facing similar challenges and efforts in cultural preservation?

Historical Context

Blackfeet and Assiniboin in the north; Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, and Dakota Sioux in the central, and Comanche and Kiowa in the south. Before the arrival of European colonizers, the Great Plains teemed with diverse Indigenous cultures, each with their unique expressions of dance and ritual. These practices were deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs, social structures, and daily lives. Dance was not merely entertainment but a sacred act, a way to connect with the spiritual world and maintain harmony with the natural environment.   

Central to many Plains tribes was the concept of a personal spirit guide or power animal. For the Kiowa for example, the dwdw was the central guiding force in many of their stories, and gathering dwdw was the purpose of many of their dances. Through visions, individuals sought connections with these entities, which often influenced their roles and responsibilities within the community. Dance served as a way to embody and honor these spiritual connections. For instance, the Sun Dance, a pivotal ceremony for many tribes, was a physically demanding ritual that sought to commune with the sun and renew the world.   

Beyond spiritual significance, dance played a crucial role in social cohesion and cultural transmission. Group dances fostered a sense of community and shared identity. They were spaces for storytelling, conflict resolution, and the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next. War dances, for example, celebrated bravery and prepared warriors for battle, while women's dances often focused on fertility, harvest, and the well-being of the community.   

It is essential to recognize the rich tapestry of dance traditions that existed across the Great Plains before colonization. By understanding this pre-colonial context, we can appreciate the profound impact of European contact on Indigenous peoples and their cultural heritage.

End of unit exercises

Essay (10 points)

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a well-developed essay response:

• Analyze the importance of understanding the historical context of Great Plains dance traditions. How does this knowledge contribute to a more accurate and inclusive understanding of American history?

• Explain why learning about Indigenous dance and ritual is crucial for fostering reconciliation and respect between Native and non-Native communities.