The Music of Indigenous Americans

Through this Native American unit, I have gained so much more respect for these cultures. I already knew little tidbits of information here and there, but I have gained a much deeper understanding of the music and the history of these people. I believe it is very important to continue to educate ourselves and open our minds to different cultures. I really liked the quote at the end of the crash course video about remembering who is speaking and why, but also who is unheard and why. History is not very kind to women, the lgbtq+ community, and people of color. It is important to dig through that surface level of history that we get in public school so that we can get to the really cool stuff and appreciate it the way it deserves.

(1) During our study of the music and culture of indigenous Americans, we touched on the subject of jingle dress dances. This dance really struck me, so I wanted to dive a little bit deeper. I came across this video. It explains the origin of the dance, and it features a reenactment of said origin. I find it very interesting that this healing dance seems to have originated around the 1920's. It arose around the same time as the pandemic and WWI. It also emerged as these traditions and dances were being banned by the US government. This dance is not specific to one tribe, and is found throughout most native cultures. The second half of the video discusses the different types of steps that can be involved, and the regalia worn. During this era, the most available material to make the cones for the dress was tin cans, like were used for tobacco. The cans can be turned inside out for a more uniform silver look, or left outside facing for a colorful, decorated look. The amount of care and detail within these dresses is amazing. From the spacing of the cones, to thinking only positive thoughts when sewing the dress, it is a very special process. There are also specific rules to be followed when wearing the dress. 

(2) When researching the different types of drums in indigenous cultures, the one I enjoyed listening to the most was the hand drum. When I was younger I had a kiddie toy version of a drum like this. They are also called frame drums. These are small hand held drums that can be played with any small stick/mallet or with your hand. Originally the drum head was made with deer hide and a wooden frame. This video explains the origin story of the drum. It opens with an acknowledgment song that has been passed down. This song could be played at the opening of a ceremony or in acknowledgement of a specific person.  

(3) I really enjoyed getting to watch the video of Supaman's 'Why', and getting to learn a little bit about Robert Mirabal. This made me realize that in this post I would have a chance to highlight one of my personal favorite native singers. Buffy Sainte-Marie is an indigenous singer-songwriter that gained popularity in the 1960's. She is an activist and has used her music to bring awareness to Native American issues for many years. One of her most famous songs is entitled 'Cod'ine'. It is based on her personal drug addiction following treatment of pneumonia, due to the neglect of her doctor. Substance abuse rates tend to be higher in native communities than the rest of the US population. For this reason, this song resonates very deeply.

Buffy also made many appearances on Sesame Street. In this video, she is singing an old folk song and playing a mouth bow. This instrument actually made its way to America via slave trade, but was quickly adopted by certain native american people. Like drums and shakers, it is a very simple instrument. To play this, you pluck the single string, while holding it to the mouth. different tones are made by varying the shape of your mouth. The mouth bow is a sort of trademark of Buffy's music.