Currently in the lobby of the CSWR, there is an Eagle Dance display in the exhibit case. Displays change every couple of weeks, so visitors are invited to come back frequently to see the newest exhibit! Most of the displays for the 2015-2016 academic year focus on religious holy days and celebrations; they are meant to be educational and also, as appropriate, celebratory.
As of July 2015, there are 567 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives in the United States, and there are even more tribes that are not federally recognized. Thus, there is a tremendous multitude of distinct tribes with unique traditions and cultures. Not every tribe celebrates the Eagle Dance, but the eagle is highly esteemed by many. As a result, many tribes do celebrate the Eagle Dance. Below are some examples of how different tribes celebrate.
Most tribes celebrate the Eagle Dance in early spring. The exact timing of spring is often determined by changing weather instead of a fixed calendar, by cyclical time rather than linear time. Tribes have unique traditions associated with the eagle dance, but they often include intricately choreographed dances and song.
For the Navajo, the Eagle Dancer mimics the motions of eagles, praying for more eagles. The Eagle Dancer is treated as an honored guest and is given many presents.
At the Jemez and Tesuque pueblos in New Mexico, the Eagle Dance is celebrated with two dancers, one male and one female. Each dancer wears feathered caps with yellow beaks and wings made of eagle feathers. The dancers circle each other as they imitate eagles.
For the Comanche Eagle Dance, one dancer emulates an eagle. This dancer represents the young son of a chieftain who turned into an eagle after he died.
For many American Indians, the eagle is a highly important animal and symbol. It is associated with supernatural powers like thunder and rain. Other attributes for which the eagle is revered include wisdom, strength of vision and heart, and higher consciousness. Some teach that the eagle, because it can fly so high, has the power to move between heaven and earth; thus, the eagle can carry messages and prayers to heaven.
Photo Descriptions:
Eagle Dancer Kachina (pictured above)
This Eagle Dancer Kachina was made by a Navajo artist. Kachina Dolls, like the human Kachina Dancer, are visual representations of the invisible spirits that assist in the rigors of life.
Eagle Dance Display
This is the current exhibit in the CSWR display case. Come by to see it in person!
The Kachina Story
Part of the Eagle Dance display includes didactics on the Kachina story and the significance of the eagle. For some American Indians, the eagle is revered because it has the power to move between heaven and earth and can carry messages and prayers to heaven.
Eagle Dance Traditions
Another part of the Eagle Dance display describes some of the many Eagle Dance traditions celebrated by Native Americans.
—by Melissa Coles, MDiv candidate