“Buffalo used to be our main meat.”
“I know, from years ago.”
“Our meat is all of us from the Paleo-Indians to the present. We are all one family.”
Justine pointed into the crowd. “Look, the Northern Traditional Men Dancers. I was hoping they’d be here.”
“And they are, of course.”
Both watched as more dancers entered. They wore native outfits from beaded moccasins to beaded belts. What impressed Justine most were their headdresses, breechcloths and eagle-feathered fans.
After the Northern Traditional dancers came the Southern Straight, representing warriors on the lookout for enemies. They made Justine a little wary, causing her to shy away when a dancer came too close.
Darrius held her hand. “Don’t be scared. They won’t hurt you; I won’t let them.”
“I know I’m a little skittish, but their movements are so garish and rough, like the Famine dancer. He really scared me, but it was his purpose and I understand that.”
“And like his was, this is only for show, darling. The dance lets people know what a real war party was like for Paleo-Indians.”
Justine watched in a mix of wariness and amazement. Dancers wore mock animal skins, trailers, turbans and other traditional garb.
After the Southern Traditional dancers joined the others at the edge of the arena, the Grass Dancers began their march into the arena. Darrius introduced them. “What’s coming out now is, I think, the oldest of the powwow dances—the Men Grass Dancers.”
“What’s their story? I do know it is one of the oldest dances, and I think that is what Derrick was doing the other day—it looks familiar.”
“He does do the grass dance. It’s essentially religious, and there are several accounts of its beginnings long ago. One account describes warriors in search of a place to practice their thanksgiving rituals and worship. The dancers move in the formation, swaying back and forth. Just watch, it actually describes itself—if one looks hard enough. We worship nature and are thankful for our home—the Earth.”
Justine watched the graceful movements of the dancers as they offered their thanks to Mother Earth. A sense of calmness came over her as she listened to the sacred music accompanying the dance.
* * *
After the last women’s Fancy Shawl dance ended an hour later, Darrius kissed her cheek. “Derrick is due up soon for the kachina dances. I shouldn’t be too long.”
“Can’t I go with you?”
“Not this time. I’ll be in the men’s dressing tent. You wouldn’t want to be in there with a bunch of sweaty men, would you?”
“I’ve seen the time when I would have said yes. Now the only man I want to see nude is you.”
“And so you shall, but not now. I promise you’ll be okay, and I’ll be right back at your side.” He stroked her chin, and then he walked off in the direction of the teepees.
Justine watched him walk off until he totally disappeared. She missed him already. And then she returned to the dancers, watching the women’s Jingle Dress dance.
The night was hot and humid, and for the life of her, she couldn’t understand how all the dancers made it through the night wearing such heavy costumes. The Jingle Dress dancers were no exception, coming out in full regalia with bells and thimbles. She had read about the tradition of the Jingle Dance and knew it originated as a kind of medicine for curing a variety of ailments in the old days. The dancers twisted their feet in unison to the right and left while moving sideways.
Darrius hadn’t returned after nearly half an hour, but she stayed where she was. She could see the heat in the air, could smell smoke from food stands and watched the differing dances with acrobatics. It gave the appearance of a large, outdoor cookout. She rubbed her eyes to get a clear view of the arena, and was ready to see the antics of the kachina dances. The ‘traditional’ kachina dances didn’t normally take place at powwows, more so inside kivas and on mesas, but as Darrius said earlier, the kachina dances were involved this time for added enjoyment and also to teach lessons not normally learned at traditional powwows. It had been Derrick and a few others’ decision to include the kachinas this time; it made for a more spectacular event, and Justine felt honored to be able to experience it. During her brief stay, she had gotten a few good shots. All in all, everything she had experienced had been worth the trip.
She stood on the sidelines of the arena watching the nominations for the contest songs. Once the nominations, which were based on creativity, beat and timing, were announced, the traditional dancing was soon over. Everyone returned to the arena before the start of the famous kachina dance. From what she had read and learned from Darrius, it was a serious ceremony, but had its share of levity—at the hands of the Koshari.
Darrius returned with cups of tea for the both of them. “Glad you stayed put. The dance is about to start.”
“I told you I would go nowhere without you, but why hot tea on a hot night like this?”
He stared at her blankly for a moment, and then remembered what he was supposed to say to her. “This is the real Teepee Dreams tea that I didn’t give you the other night. It’s to get you in the mood for after the dance.”
“Why? What’s going on after the dance?”
“Us, as soon as we leave the park.”
“Care to show me a little bit before the ceremony?”
“Can’t. We should concentrate on the dance or we’ll miss something.”
“I think snuggling against you is worth missing a few things.”
“Not tonight. Not yet, anyway.”
She sensed his apprehension, but kissed his cheek anyway. “Umm, you taste great. I’m always in the mood for you!”
He pulled back, confusing her more. “Are you okay, Darrius?”
“Sure. Why?”
“Just seem a little distant all of a sudden.”
“I’m fine, just excited about the dancing. Want food, bathroom, or anything before it starts?”
“No, I’m fine. I sneaked off to the bathroom during the Shawl Dance.”
