Native American Ceremonial Costumes Information

There are as many native ceremonial customs and costumes as there are American Indians. Each tribe has its cultures and traditions when it comes to ceremonies and dressing for a special event.

Clothing, the Distinguishing Factor

Some American Indians wear traditional clothing as everyday apparel, clothing such as breechcloths and ribbed shirts for men, and long dresses or knee-length skirts for women. However, when dressing up for religious ceremonies, dancing and rituals, each tribe has its own style. Some favor buckskin clothing, while others favor kilts or fur pants. For ceremonies, some tribal members wear animal skin headgear, and there are those who choose to wear the elaborate and decorated eagle feathered headband. For powwows, tribal members will wear deep and vibrant colors.

The Ceremonial Costume of the Choctaw Indian

When the Choctaw Indian dresses for the tribe's festival, married couples have similar designs on their clothing. The man's shirt is decorated with the same decorations or appliques that are on his wife's dress. The man will wear a black, low-brim hat with an eagle feather or ribbons attached to the back. He will also wear a belt or sash with ribbons attached to one side. To complete his outfit, he will wear moccasins. The woman's ceremonial dress for the occasion is handmade with full sleeves and a long flowing, ruffled skirt. Her jewelry will consist of earrings, medallions and a shoulder necklace. She too will wear the traditional moccasins for the occasion.

The Ceremonial Costume of the Cherokee

Attending a Cherokee Indian powwow, men and women dress in their finest attire for the celebration. The women wear a tear dress, also known as "The Trail of Tears Dress," while the men wear a fashionable ribbon shirt. Cherokee Indians also wear fancy belts, fringed pants with anklets and wrist bands. They wear handmade ornaments of beads and shells at dancing ceremonies. The only time feathers and paint would be worn is when they are engaging in battle or playing a game of ball.

The Ceremonial Costume of the Arapaho Indian

The Arapaho is another tribe whose attire for special occasions is nothing like the Cherokee or the Choctaw. For when the Arapaho dress up, the warriors wear long fringe shirts that are decorated with shells and quills. Both male and female paint their faces for celebrations. The men also wear leggings and a single feather in their hair. The ladies decorate their long dresses with beads, ribbons, shells and fringe for special occasions. Both outfits are topped with beaded moccasins.

The Ceremonial Costume of the Blackfoot Indians

For the Blackfoot Indian, ceremonial garb includes the popular headdress of beautiful eagle feathers flowing down the back of the warriors. They would also wear the traditional buckskin shirt, breechcloth and leggings. The warriors will paint their faces for religious and special events. Though the Blackfoot Indians still wear their moccasins and shirts, today they wear jeans with their attire, and they save the wearing of feathers in their heads and painted-up faces for special occasions.

References

• Choctaw Nation Of Oklahoma
• Cherokee Culture

Resources

• Styles of the Ancint Chocktaw
• American Indian Clothing and Regalia
• The Plains Indian Warrior