The Native American Dance Stick Can Be Used For More Than Dancing



Posted: Saturday, January 15, 2011

by Craig Chambers - Mission Del Rey
Mission Del Rey

Dancing has always formed a central part of Native American tribal life. There are quite a few elements that go into a successful dance. Music from drums and flutes, of course, is very important. However, Native American dance sticks are also integral to different dances. These decorated dance sticks add a visual touch to the dance, and are specific to the ceremony. American Indians use dances for healing, to honor the fallen, and in times past, when going on the warpath. Dance sticks were made for each of these ceremonies.

Nearly all Native American tribes crafted 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. Animal skulls were sometimes used to embellish the dance sticks. 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 bring honor to a much loved departed horse. Not even death could sever the bond between the Native American and his horse. An additional decoration was added when the dance stick was prepared for a special tribute to a beloved horse. Hair from the horse's tail or mane was used to embellish the stick in order to ensure that the prayers of the warrior were directed to the horse.

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 use a dance stick for both a healing dance and meditation. Often a medicine bag is attached to a healing dance stick, too.

Used for meditation as well as dancing, the Native American dance stick can be enjoyed by anyone. 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 display of dance sticks can cheer and brighten a cabin or vacation home. A dance stick can add a touch of color and interest to a minimalist modern setting, too.

Author Craig Chambers offers more about Native American Dance Sticks his website. You can also get his monthly newsletter, online discounts and download his popular free ebook from http://www.missiondelrey.com.
Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey offering rustic lamps, rawhide lamp shades and southwest and western home decorating accessories from the Tarahumara Indians. info@missiondelrey.com

This Article has been viewed 791 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.