Powwows began over 400 years ago, started by Omaha and Ponca warrior societies. Powwows act as unifying events that overcome geographical isolation to provide intertribal socializing and, as Renya Ramirez writes in her book Native Hubs, they provide “a [safe] space for Indians to renew a sense of Indian culture and identity.” Native foods and […]
Treasures from Our West Bear claw necklace Paul Dyck Plains Indian Buffalo Culture Collection This stunning necklace from the Central Plains dates to circa 1860 and is made of otter hide, grizzly bear claws, glass beads, abalone shell, red ochre, and porcupine quills. It is one of more than eighty objects from the Paul Dyck […]
Similar to the status symbolism of buffalo horn and eagle feather bonnets, bear claw necklaces were worn by distinguished Pawnee, Otoe, and Omaha men as emblems of their accomplishments, honors, and roles as leaders. Pawnee men, in particular, specialized in creating bear claw necklaces made from the long, broad claws of grizzly bears that once […]