Sunday, September 30, 2012

Jasper

I will be bouncing around a wee bit with my summer postings depending on where the images are presently stored. Our Jasper camping was a mix of wonderful and dreadful. The days were a might hot in the mountain meadows and lake shorelines, though if one were to seek the coolness in shade under the trees needle-stabbing blood-seeking mosquitoes pounced their prey. Ouch!  Mornings and dusk into the night mosquitoes were deadly; settling into bed was a nightly slap-fest, and I am not talking spousal abuse here, our poor wee van was a mess of bloody bug carcass. So during the days we took advantage of the respite from being needled and did much slow wandering scouting birds, but before I get to the birds I thought you might enjoy to see images of the event we went to Jasper to attend.

These photos are from The Nations of Jasper mini powwow in august, though this is at a public event most  shots are taken from behind to preserve the dancers privacy, especially young dancers.
 This beaded buckskin dress cape is a beautiful work of art which must entail hundreds of hours work. I know it would take me years to do that much beading. The dancer said she made a good trade, a car for the dress. That amount of beads are quite heavy, such a strong stately dancer.
Men's Fancy dancer

 Fancy Shawl dancers remind me of butterflies flitting across flower filled meadows.

 Jingle Dress dancers.
I was once told that a person may gift a jingle dress dancer and ask them to dance a prayer to help someone who needs healing.

 Traditional Women's dancing

Dancing the flags and staffs out of the arbor concluded the powwow. I have no photos of the dance-in as we had been invited to dance-in with one of our elders.

The setting sun giving one last blessing for the day.
I love how the sun's last kiss adds blush to the mountain tops.
I hope you enjoyed this tiny visual of a portion of our summer adventures. Hugs!

4 comments:

Red said...

To me it's awesome to see the dresses and other clothing . They are really works of art. But most of all it's so important that these celebrations are taking place. A few years ago these were not taking place. The people are much better off celebrating the traditional culture.

Carol Blackburn said...

Wow Tess, that was beautiful. Such a wonderful experience I am sure. Your photos are all splendid. Glad you felt well enough to attend. :)

Kate Fernyhough said...

Looks like a wonderful experience (except for the mozzies). The photos of the mountains are awesome!!
best wishes xx

tess stieben said...

thank you all for your comments.
Red I just love watching traditional cultural dances, such variety is the gifts of various nations. Hugs!

Carol I did my best, though after the mini-powow I had to rest and missed attending the campfire feast that night, Hugs!

Kate I am glad you enjoy the photos, hugs!