Indigenous American Music
The Indigenous people of America have culture rooted in music. Their worship, praise, storytelling, work, and ceremonies are all celebrated with music.
1. The Native American Flute
While it is a staple image of Native American music, the Native American flute did not make an appearance to the culture until the 19th century. Other flutes were used in the people’s music prior to this; but the flute we think of today, a “two chambered duct flute,” was not collected until the 1820s. These earlier flutes were crafted from river reed, and originated in the Southwest from Papago and Yuman peoples. Eventually, these flutes spread to other tribes in the Southwest, Plains, and Northeastern tribes. The general idea of the flute, a reed with a single node and tone holes down the shaft, became more refined during the 1960s. This refinement is the Native American Flute that we know today. Below is a short little demo of these flutes!
2. Agricultural Dance
In all Native American cultures, dance is very symbolic and ritualistic. In the Northeast and Southeast, hunting and agricultural dance are very frequent. In the Southeast, rites for crops like corn and beans are frequent; accompanied by dances performed in circle patterns and call and response song. These dances are open to participation of men, women, and children, something not common in all rites. The Cherokee and Seminole tribes frequently practice dances ceremonies for corn harvest, winding stop dancers into spiraled circles. Below is an example of the song performed at these corn dances, to celebrate a successful harvest.
3. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, iconic guitarist, came from a proud Cherokee background. His song, “Cherokee Mist” was actually a tribute to his Cherokee grandmother. As stated in the video below, Hendrix grew to be very proud of his heritage throughout his life. Two of his albums featured songs dedicated to his culture, his iconic colored coats were tribute to his roots. One of his coats is now actually featured in the National Museum of the American Indian.
Sources:
https://atflutes.com/history-of-the-native-american-style-flute
https://www.britannica.com/art/Native-American-dance/Regional-dance-styles
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/04/jimi_hendrixs_patchwork_coat_h.html
I find it very interesting that the Native American people perform a dance to celebrate their crops. I think the togetherness for a yearly harvest promotes well being and their cultures traditions.
ReplyDeleteI am so surprised about Jimi Hendrix. I would not have known that he came from Native American heritage. It’s sad that some people told him that he shouldn’t be proud of his heritage/culture. I’m glad that he was proud of his culture and chose to put dedicate it in his music. Wo! Now he’s in the NAMA Hall of fame and one of his coats is in a museum! One artist that really surprised me that they were a Native American band; Redbone which sings “Come and Get Your Love.” I really love that song and I was just like what?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised honestly regarding the Native American flutes. Similar to popular belief I thought that the Native Americans have really always had that flute or something similar to it. Although, to find out that it is kind of a modern instrument is really fascinating. I also appreciated learning more about the agricultural dances and why they preform them. Honestly, it is just amazing overall how music is such an impact in the Native Americans lives.
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about the Native American flute in my blog, I really like how you went my in-depth in the history of the flute. I definitely learned a whole lot more about the history just from one paragraph.
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