The feather bustles of a northern style dancer
In Native American cultures, the drum is said to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The pounding rhythm of the drum is the driving force for dancers of all types, whether in the most sacred of religious ceremonies like the Sundance, or the urban social gatherings of powwows. Powwow drumming and singing styles fall in one of two primary categories: northern or southern.
Powwow History
The powwow emerged out of a tradition of Plains Indians ceremonial dancing in which different tribes shared elements of their own unique song and dance styles, and eventually became known as "inter-tribal" dancing. One common element was the drum as the center of song and dance. As Native Americans succumbed to the pressure of assimilation into white American culture and relocated away from the reservations into cities in the 20th century, powwows became a way for native people to gather and express culture through the brilliant displays of tribal dress and dance.
Drums
The difference between northern and southern style drums refers more to the drumbeat and singing style and less to the actual drums themselves. Slight physical differences distinguish northern and southern drums, with a northern drum sometimes being smaller. Drums are made from a wooden shell with rawhide stretched over the top and bottom and laced together. Usually, cowhide is used, but buffalo hide is sometimes used. The average drum measures 26 inches in diameter and can seat 7 to 8.
Southern
The term "drum" can be applied to a drum group as well as to the drum itself. "Southern" refers generally to the tribes of the southern Plains region of the U.S., in particular Oklahoma tribes like the Kiowa or Creek. While the formal singing structure is roughly the same in northern and southern styles, songs are sung in a lower, slightly slower pitch in southern style. The corresponding dance styles are also different than northern style, generally slower with a different accent beat pattern (called "honor beats"). Women aren't allowed to sit at the drum but stand behind the men to sing.
Northern
Northern style drums originate from the northern U.S. and Canadian Plains tribes such as the Lakota, Ojibway, and Cree. They are known for their characteristic high vocal range. The dance and dress styles are also distinctive from southern styles. Northern dance styles are faster with more intricate footwork and body motions and incorporate more elaborate use of eagle feathers with the men's bustles. Women's dances are also typically more intricate. Depending on the tribe, women are sometimes allowed to sit at the drum along with the men.
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