pow wow
Quick group discussion
Pow wow (also powwow) is a Native American gathering featuring dancing, singing, and celebration of indigenous culture.
These events range from small community gatherings to large intertribal festivals.
The word comes from Algonquian languages, originally referring to a spiritual leader or healing ceremony.
In casual use, pow wow means any meeting or discussion: Let's have a quick pow wow about the schedule.
Elaborate or decorative
- jingleBrief advertising melody
- grassNarrow-leaved ground cover
- shawlDraped shoulder covering
- hoopRigid circular frame
regalia · footwork · competition · intertribal · grand entry · crow hop · sneak up · round dance
Between tribal groups
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
- assemblyConstructing from components
- encampmentTemporary military or refugee settlement
- reunionGathering after separation
circle · campground · vendors · grand entry · arena · emcee · invitation · honoring
Impressive, showy entrance
- prayerAddress to deity
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- honoringRecognizing with respect
- smudgingMaking blurry marks
sage · invocation · opening · closing · memorial · giveaway · spiritual · sacred
Strung ornament craft
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- jingle dressIndigenous ceremonial healing garment
- shawlDraped shoulder covering
- bustleEnergetic noisy activity
moccasins · roach · headdress · ribbonwork · bells · fringe · breastplate · leggings
fancy
Elaborate or decorative
hoop · regalia · footwork · competition · intertribal · grand entry · crow hop · sneak up · round dance · two-step
intertribal
Between tribal groups
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
- assemblyConstructing from components
- encampmentTemporary military or refugee settlement
reunion · circle · campground · vendors · grand entry · arena · emcee · invitation · honoring · giveaway
grand entry
Impressive, showy entrance
smudging · sage · invocation · opening · closing · memorial · giveaway · spiritual · sacred · respect
beadwork
Strung ornament craft
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- jingle dressIndigenous ceremonial healing garment
- shawlDraped shoulder covering
bustle · moccasins · roach · headdress · ribbonwork · bells · fringe · breastplate · leggings · armbands
- festivalsfestival, festivals, carnival, carnivals, Carnival
- American traditionsFourth of July, Thanksgiving, county fair, state fair, rodeo
- native spiritualitymedicine man, sacred ceremonies, native rituals, vision quest, sweat lodge
- tribal ritualssun dance, rain dance, vision quest, rites of passage, corroboree
- Tribal Spiritualityspirit animal, spirit animals, totem, totem poles, ancestor spirits
- IroquoisIroquois, Mohawk, Iroquois Confederacy, Oneida, Onondaga
pow wowstate dinner
Formal diplomatic reception meal
board meeting · congressional hearing · diplomatic summit · parliamentary session · inauguration
pow wowcorporate retreat
Organized company outing
trade show · shareholders meeting · military parade · state funeral · royal coronation
pow wowisolation
Complete separation from others
solitude · seclusion · withdrawal · hermitage · mass rally