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How do northern and southern powwow singing styles differ in vocal range?
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Native American dance
Aztec round dance for Quetzalcóatl and Xolotl (a dog-headed god who is Quetzalcóatl's companion), detail from a facsimile Codex Borbonicus (folio 26), c. 1520; original in the Chamber of Deputies, Paris, France.
In the context of Native American dance and music, the vocal range is a primary distinction between northern and southern powwow singing styles.
Northern powwow singing is characterized by a higher pitch, with singers emphasizing the upper portion of their vocal range. In contrast, southern powwow singing, which is associated with Oklahoma nations, utilizes a lower vocal range.12
Beyond these differences in range, the two styles also vary in their rhythmic structure. Southern songs include three accented drumbeats between the repetitions of each verse, whereas northern songs feature drum accent patterns known as "Honour Beats" that occur within the interior of the song rather than between verses.1