AAMJIWNAANG pow wow 2019 047
AMJIWNAANG pow wow.
Regalia (say "re-GAY-lia") is what an Indigenous dancer wears during traditional dances — like at a powwow. Regalia is colourful and is different depending on the type of dance. For example, a dancer who does jingle dance, wears regalia featuring many metal cones that knock together to make a beautiful sound while a grass dancer will wear leggings and headbands.
Close-up of male dancer wearing a feather and quill headdress and beaded head band ... Some dancers wear feathered or porcupine hair roaches (which are sometimes called headdresses) and breastplates made out of bone.
Many dancers make their own regalia or have it made by someone close to them, like a family member. Sometimes the dancer can purchase regalia from an artist who creates them. The tradition of making regalia is passed down through generations and it can take many years for a dancer to collect and make pieces for their regalia.
Regalia is definitely not a costume. A costume is something you wear when you dress up and pretend to be someone or something else — like for Halloween. But regalia represents not only the dancer’s personality, but their history, family and culture as well.
AAMJIWNAANG pow wow 2019 047
AMJIWNAANG pow wow.
Regalia (say "re-GAY-lia") is what an Indigenous dancer wears during traditional dances — like at a powwow. Regalia is colourful and is different depending on the type of dance. For example, a dancer who does jingle dance, wears regalia featuring many metal cones that knock together to make a beautiful sound while a grass dancer will wear leggings and headbands.
Close-up of male dancer wearing a feather and quill headdress and beaded head band ... Some dancers wear feathered or porcupine hair roaches (which are sometimes called headdresses) and breastplates made out of bone.
Many dancers make their own regalia or have it made by someone close to them, like a family member. Sometimes the dancer can purchase regalia from an artist who creates them. The tradition of making regalia is passed down through generations and it can take many years for a dancer to collect and make pieces for their regalia.
Regalia is definitely not a costume. A costume is something you wear when you dress up and pretend to be someone or something else — like for Halloween. But regalia represents not only the dancer’s personality, but their history, family and culture as well.