Saturday, September 3, 2011

Powwow

Newark, Ohio is home to one of the largest Native American earthworks (technically - "largest set of geometric earthen enclosures") in the world. It is believed to be constructed by prehistoric Hopewell people between 100 BC and AD 500. Historians have presented several theories on the purpose of the mounds, from social gatherings to religious practice and even astronomical alignment. Whatever the purpose, it brings several Native American Powwows to the region every year.

A Powwow is a traditional event where Native Americans from around the country gather and participate in song and dance, as well as trade and sell goods and prepare traditional foods. It's quite the cultural event, and one worth going to if you find one near you.

Red Hawk, of the Chippewa tribe in Michigan, dances and sings in an intertribal dance during Saturday's PowWow at the Newark Earthworks in Heath. The Powwow started Saturday and will continue through Monday. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

7-year-old Daiycon Sierra, of the Onieda tribe in Wisconsin, is followed by Newark local Harley Brown, 6, in her first Powwow dance on Saturday at the Newark Earthworks. Brown followed Sierra during the tiny tots dance, which was specifically for children under 12.

Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Iconic photo.