Prairie Edge: Native American Gallery
Held in late spring or early summer each year, this ancient tradition often incorporates sacred songs, prayer, fasting, and ritual dancing. Dancers may seek a visionary experience to gain spiritual energy and insight.
“The Sun Dance is a beautiful but complicated rite among the Plain Indians,” said Dan Tribby, general manager of Prairie Edge, a Rapid City-based business that works to educate the public on Native American culture and offer an outlet for Indian artists to sell their work.
“This is the time of year when American Indians, and any non-Natives who are ritually engaged and traditionally involved in the culture, prepare for Hanblecheyapi (vision quest) and the Sun Dance ceremony,” Tribby said.
An important aspect of the annual Native American ceremonial cycle is the concept of giving: giving thanks for blessings and giving respect to certain individuals. Sun Dances often conclude with a ritual giveaway, usually of a prized Pendleton blanket or traditional Native American star quilt. The honoree is wrapped in the gifted blanked, in a literal and symbolic envelopment of good will and appreciation.
“Star quilts and Pendleton blankets have a strong connection to Native American culture, and play an important part in celebrating milestone events, from births to graduations to religious ceremony observances,”
For more information, visit http://www.prairieedge.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
