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The Importance Of The Native American Dance Stick

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 21Jan2011 Word count: 449 Viewed: 594 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A touch of color and drama is added to any dance ceremony with Native American dance sticks. Helping the dancer to concentrate while dancing, and direct their energy, the dance stick is a unique and spiritual item. Tribal and personal variations make each stick individual. The music of Native American flutes and hand drums is given special meaning by the presence of dance sticks at a ceremony.

Nearly every Native American tribe made dance sticks. Not only were the sticks made and decorated for each tribe, but dance sticks were made for specific purposes. Dance sticks are generally made of a length of wood with a section of antler on one or both ends. The feathers on the dance stick symbolize prayers that are being sent to the Great Spirit. The colors chosen for the dance stick, the type of beading used, are representative of a tribe or individual. Some dance sticks had the skulls of animals attached, as well. Native American dance sticks are heirloom items, passed from one generation to the next.

Although Indian dance sticks were used for war dances, there was another very important purpose. These sticks were used to honor a departed horse. The bond between the Native American and his horse was a strong one, and not even death could sever it completely. When preparing the dance stick for the tribute to the horse, an additional decoration was added. To make sure that the prayers of the warrior were directed to the horse, hair from the horse's tail or mane was used to embellish the stick.

The healing ceremony is still a vital part of Native American tribal life. To better direct the healing energies, a shaman or medicine man will often use a dance stick. The decorations on the stick have all been chosen for specific beneficial properties. A shaman will not only use a Native American dance stick for a healing dance, but also for meditation. Often a medicine bag is attached to a healing dance stick, too.

Native American dance sticks can be used by anyone as an aid to meditation, as well as for dancing. These beautifully decorated dance sticks will also add a natural touch to any room's decor. The bright colors and detailed decorations will make these dance sticks a treasured addition to the home. While usually thought of as most appropriate to Southwest style decoration, a dance stick will go perfectly with country decor as well. A cabin or vacation home can be cheered and brightened by a display of dance sticks. A dance stick can add a touch of color and interest to a minimalist modern setting, too.

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