Pueblo dancing is formal and repetitive, with simple steps. The antegeh is the basic step in these dances, which may be
performed in place or traveling in forward, sidewards, and diagonal directions. Other common steps include stylized deer and buffalo walks. A deer dancer holds a cane in each hand and leans forward, putting weight on the sticks with bent legs and meandering slowly to mimic the animal. A buffalo walks upright, shifting his body weight from side to side with bent knees in a lumbering gait. Sometimes, small jumps , hops and foot-to-foot leaps are called for.
These dances are tightly interwoven with the accompanying music, which combine to form a prayer. The drumming and chanting provide the meaning for the ritual. Those familiar with each prayer are able to tell what steps are being performed at what time by listening to chants, even without seeing the dance. This video features members of the Jemez (hay-mash) Pueblo performing part of the buffalo dance in Albuquerque's Old Town Square as part of the city's 313th birthday celebration.
I live pretty close to a reservation where they have an open Pow Wow every year. They invite the public to come so that they can share their culture and heritage with them. I have never made it over to one of them, but it would be really cool to do so. I have been to their regional tribal center where I work though and it is a really beautiful building with lots of interesting artifacts on display.
Being New Mexican, I went to many of those as a kid. Had many friends from the Taos Pueblo. Thanks for sharing!!!
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That's really cool. I really like Indigenous song and dance. I find it very earthy and peaceful. I didn't know that the dance incorporates the walk of different animals that they are trying to mimic. That's interesting.
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Thats a really cool dance. Dance and prayer just seem like they would go well together. They really have it figured out.
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