Well-Worn Moccasin

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
Click on photo to view larger

These moccasins look like they've danced in many Pow Wows.  Did you notice the large jingle bell toward the end of the moccasin?

“Don't judge any man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins”
Indian Proverb

Native American Close-Up

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
Click on photo to view larger

I used Photoshop on this photograph to turn it into a painting.  I liked it better because I thought the original photograph was too harsh.  This man's face was so compelling in the way it was painted with a mask instead of wearing one.  I've included the original photograph so you could see both.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. 

Oscar Wilde

Native American Dancer

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
Click on photo to view larger

I like this photograph because you can see how much movement it takes the dancer to move all the feathers and accoutrements of his costume. It seemed to me that this costume might have weighed a lot.  The dancers had lots of energy and stamina because each dance lasted about 10 minutes.  Each tribe had their own drummers and all the tribes' drum beats were completely different.

To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak. 

Hopi Indian Saying