Cabazon Pow Wow
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Our first encounter with an American Indian Powwow was probably 20 years ago
in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Quite by accident the town we were
going to spend the night in had a Powwow going on. We didn't go to another one
until we move to California. With all the Indian tribes in the area there are
a number of Powwows all year. I had wanted to photograph one and finally got
around to it in late 2010. This one is held by The Cabazon Band of Mission
Indians. |
click photo to enlarge |
It is held indoors which is good and bad. It is good because you never know
what the weather may be in the winter but it is bad because lighting indoors
for photography is tough. The dancers have some pretty incredible costumes
with all the colors, beads and feathers. The Powwow is a celebration of
Indian heritage and culture and also a competition for the dancers and
drummers. |
click photo to enlarge |
All ages take part from the small children to the elders of the tribes.
There are of course booths offering Indian made goods and also food stands
outside. I always have to get an Indian Taco made with fry bread. It was
hard to pick out only 5 photos to post. |
click photo to enlarge |
click photo to enlarge
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