Page 26 - ISVB

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MUSIC AND DANCE

Dances are still performed at the Meskwaki
Settlement. Most of these have ritual,
religious, or ceremonial meaning that would
not be understood by a casual, non-Meskwaki
observer. Some dances lately performed at the
Powwow include the Friendship Dance, Pipe
Dance, Buffalo Head Dance, Harvest or Bean
Dance, Swan Dance, Shawnee Dance, Shield
Dance, War Dance, Rabbit Dance, and Victory
or Soldier Dance. Chants, songs, and drum
rhythms likewise have their roots in traditional
practices. There are several Meskwaki singers
and singing groups, many of which perform
at public powwows and feature vocalists and
drummers. Flute music also has enjoyed a
long appreciation by the Meskwaki.

Ironically, although dancing was not a part of
communal life in the Amanas, today, maipole
dances at Maifest reflect the German heritage
of the Amanas, as does Becksterfest polka
music, and dancing. During the communal
period, religious hymns were “the” music of
the Amanas. These traditional hymns, both
in German and English, still are heard at
religious services today. During the communal
period, there was an organized men’s chorus,
or Sängerbund. Traditional zither playing,
along with some mandolin and guitar music,
also continues today�