Hello, again,
I was aware that there was a sort of communal gathering for the beading and weaving, and whatever work the women did. I think that also there was a central type of depository, (for want of a better word)for their supplies. If these beads are old enough, I suppose they would be European, there was alot of trade going on, way back in time. The picture is from the summer of 1915, and I think by then there was a trading post.
Most of my kin would not talk too much of their Native American roots, and quite alot would deny it. Reminds me of the country song; "I was country when country wasn't cool". It wasn't untill the kids began going to college on government money, that our family gatherings renewed some of the old traditions. The story telling and teaching became more open and public.
You see, I never saw a reservation myself. The pictures that I did see were far removed from the romantic notion of the Native American heritage. What I saw was abject poverty. As I grew older and was exposed to the renewal of some of the "old ways" I began to see a deeply spiritual people, these wonderfully proud kinfolk of mine.
And, Oh, my gosh, the Pow Wow's are so richly rewarding! The old timers just glow.
I started researching the moccassins last year, and find that just the design alone tell a story. The story in these designs that I have are of Christianity coming into a life, to be brief.
Again, thanks for your interest and please know I am proud to know you..also.
Linda