By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
The Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe is holding their 44th annual Powwow, beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday April 23 and again at 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 24.
A powwow is a religious, cultural, business and family gathering.
At the event, Native American people meet together, join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships, making new friends and conducting business and worship.
Attending a powwow is one of the best ways to experience Native American culture. Visitors can experience dancing, singing, foods, and crafts.
The beginning of the powwow will start with the Grand Entry, which will be held Friday at 6:00 p.m. Important leaders are usually chosen for this honor: the leaders will enter the powwow first, leading other dancers into the ring.
Head Man this year will be Michael Muckelvaney, and Head Lady will be Shania Muckenfuss.
There will be a “Luck of the Draw” and a Princess Pageant for young ladies to enter.
The powwow “Drum” includes experienced drummers who work together to begin each song and dance. The singers are very important figures in the powwow. The songs, some of which are hundreds of years old, are about religious beliefs, war, hunting or social life. Host Drum will be the Edisto River Singers.
A Drum contest will be held with cash prizes of $800 for the winner; $500 for second place; and $300 for third place.
Dances have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at powwows are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Some of the dances mimic ancient Native American hunters as they follow and kill animals. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers have evolved over time to include brighter colors and some beads and bells that are not handmade, but still meaningful to the culture.
At the powwow, the MC runs the events, and works with the Arena Director to keep the powwow organized and running smoothly. The MC this year will be David “Spirit Walker” Creel. He will work along with the committee to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle. Only certain dances allow non-native people to participate.
The event is open to the public and is a family-oriented event that no one should miss.
Admission: 0-5 years and 65 and over is free. Ages 6-12 is $3; 13-17 is $5; 18-64 tribal ID is $5; and Adults without tribal ID is $8. Food and craft vendors will be on hand.
No pets, drugs or alcohol will be permitted, and visitors need to bring lawn chairs.
This event is sponsored by the Four Holes Indian Organization, 1125 Ridge road, Ridgeville, S.C.
For more information call 843-830-5223.
