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''Native American music.'' Encyclopdia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopdia Britannica Online. 31 Aug. 2010 .
Origins through Literature: Music is a large part of Native American culture, present in literature, oral tales, and ceremonies. The origins of certain songs, dances, musical instruments, ceremonies, and rites can be found in traditional oral creation myths, passed from generation to generation. Some stories say musical apects were gifts to the people from the Creator and other spirits at the beginning of time.
Native American Music
Learning and Preserving the Music... Native American songs are inherited or shared from generation to generation through oral tradition. Methods of teaching music vary from tribe to tribe and genre to genre. Songs used in social dances are often learned by simply listening and participating. Some groups have invented a sort of musical notation; however, it is used merely as a memorizational tool, not for teaching. Tribal healers teach songs used in healing rites to apprentices over the course of several years, due to these specific ceremonies' complexity.
a0316v. Online Image. 2 September 2010.
Omaha Indian Music
"Red Wolf Song" This is a Kiowa Gourd Dance song. The ending, a "wolf howl," is common to all Gourd Dance songs.
"Hunting Horse's Song" Lyrics: "Wait. I am free to roam around. No one said that I did any wrong. I am free to roam around."
"War Dance Song" This song is common to Oklahoma powwows.
"Red Wolf Song," "Hunting Horse's Song," and "War Dance Song" Recorded July 1997. Sung by Billy Evans Horse, Dorita Horse, Charlie Horse, Matt Horse, Stephanie Starr, Adam Gainey, and Eric Lassiter
The Language of Songs: Native American songs include myriad genres of poetry, varying in style, structure, language, and sound. They have been instrumental in re-discovering dead languages, though performers take many poetic liberties like adding or dropping sylables, using archaic words or phrases, using phrases from a different language altogether, or utilizing vocables (sounds that have no particular meaning). Often, storytellers pass along traditional myths and folktales through music. Songs are used to more adequately convey a character's thoughts and feelings, as well as further engage the audience and create social bonding. Music is also a major part of healing and religious ceremonies, to create a feeling of spirituality and harmony with nature.
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93267-050-6E60C96F. Online Image. 2 September 2010.
Yaqui Deer Dancer, Senora, Mexico
Cheyenne River Sioux dance troup
moshiro added this comment 2010-09-02 22:46:55-05:00
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moshiro added this comment 2010-09-02 22:46:55-05:00
Ahhh! Your glog puts mine to shame. :p Very good. :D