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Which occasions inspired dance gatherings in Native communities before European settlement?
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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.
Long before European settlement, Native communities held dance gatherings that were central to their social, spiritual, and political lives. These events were typically associated with one of four primary occasions:1
- Religious ceremonies: These included rites for healing, communication with the spirit world, and seasonal observances, such as the Sun Dance or agricultural rites like the green corn harvest ceremony.2134
- Homecoming celebrations: These events were held to honor successful war parties upon their return.1
- Alliance building: Gatherings were organized to celebrate the formation or reaffirmation of alliances between tribes.1
- Society and family events: Various warrior societies and extended family groups sponsored dances to mark specific milestones or community needs.1
Unlike modern, inclusive powwows, these pre-contact gatherings were generally restricted to tribal members and individuals from friendly neighboring tribes. These performances integrated music, dance, and spirituality, often requiring extensive preparation by hosts, who were responsible for the dance grounds, food, and gifts for participants.15