| Pow wow is a fascinating gathering of Native | | | | gourd dancing. The head dancers are responsible |
| American Indians which may last from days to a | | | | for leading the other dancers during a song and |
| week. Pow wow is an important cultural | | | | often dancers will not enter the arena unless the |
| expression of the Native American heritage. | | | | head dancers are already out dancing. The head |
| The name pow wow derives from the | | | | dancers also lead the other dancers in the grand |
| Narragansett word powwaw, meaning shaman. It | | | | entry or parade of dancers that opens a pow |
| has since come to be used to describe any | | | | wow. |
| gathering of Native Americans of any tribes. An | | | | The Host Drum of the pow wow is a drum group |
| early twenty-first century pow wow is a specific | | | | responsible for providing music for the dancers to |
| type of event held by Native Americans. | | | | dance to. At an Intertribal pow wow generally |
| Pow wows have evolved from a formal | | | | two or more drums are hired to be the host |
| ceremony of the past into modern blend of | | | | drums, often a Host Northern Drum and a Host |
| dance, family reunion and festival. Over time Pow | | | | Southern Drum. Each drum has a Lead Singer |
| wow traditions have adapted and changed into a | | | | who runs his drum and leads his singers while |
| bright, fast and exciting event geared towards | | | | singing. Host drums are responsible for singing the |
| Native Americans and visitors alike. | | | | songs at the beginning and end of a pow wow |
| Pow wows can vary in length from a single | | | | session, generally a starting song, the grand entry |
| session of 5-6 hours to three days with one to | | | | song, a flag song, and a veterans or victory song |
| three sessions a day. Major pow wows or pow | | | | to start the pow wow, and a flag song, retreat |
| wows called for a special occasion can be up to | | | | song and closing song to end the pow wow. |
| one week long. | | | | Additionally, if a pow wow has gourd dancing, the |
| This occasion is filled with colorful regalia of the | | | | Southern Host Drum is often the drum that sings |
| participating dancers from the different Native | | | | all the gourd songs, though another drum can |
| American Indian tribes. As the dancers parade | | | | perform them. The host drums are often called |
| around the arena, different kinds and types of | | | | upon to sing special songs during the pow wow. |
| regalia can be seen. Almost every Native | | | | Pow wow is normally set up as a series of large |
| American Indian wears feathers and beads, not | | | | circles. The center circle is the dance arena, |
| just on their headdresses but also on their body | | | | outside of which is a circle consisting of the |
| apparel. Some of them display different kind of | | | | MC’s table, drum groups and sitting areas for |
| jewelry and even bells dangling on their attire. | | | | dancers and their families. Beyond these two |
| The head dancers consist of the Head Man | | | | circles for participants is often an area for |
| Dancer and the Head Woman Dancer, and often | | | | spectators, while outside of all are several rings of |
| Head Teen Dancers, Head Little Boy and Girls | | | | vendor's booths, where one can buy supplies, |
| Dancers, Head Golden Age Dancers, and a Head | | | | food, or arts and crafts. |
| Gourd Dancer if the pow wow will be having | | | | |