Bone whistle
If you ever been to a Powwow, you probably have seen Grass Dancers. These dancers were first seen at an Omaha Powwow in the 1860s. I suspect they have been around a lot longer. Many Nations copied the Grass Dance and include it their Gatherings.
Omaha Grass Dancers were a vital part of the Nation. They were and are considered a special Society within the Omaha Nation.
The first thing a Nation needs to do when planning a Powwow is finding a site to hold the Gathering. Usually in a wide open area where the grass has grown tall and will accommodate a large crowd. The role of the Grass Dancers is to prepare the area for other dancers. They were called Grass dancers because of the braids of sweet grass they wore on their regalia. They would gather in the middle of the field and start their 'dance' and work outward until an area was big enough and the medicine man approved.
The dance itself was once described as Free Spirit dance. Dancers would start with one foot forward, step onto the grass and flattening the patch under his foot. He would then swing his other foot around and repeat the step, all the while listening to the drum beat, nodding his head making his roach sway in the rhythm. If the Drum stopped, so would they. If the beat picked up, so would the Dancers. A good dancer can literally make their roach head dress fly to the beat of the drum.
Along with the Roach and Sweetgrass, an Eagle Bone Whistle and Crow belt could be seen. These articles are the orginal symbols of the Omaha Society. The Eagle Bone Whistle is a very special part of a Grass Dancers Regalia. Made from the large bone of an eagle wing, it is very symbolic and sacred. When used properly, the sound coming from the whistle is said to sound like an eagles cry. They are considered to be in flute family, but because of their size, usually three to four inches, they are commonly known as Whistles. These whistles were used in many ways. Medicine men would used them to start special ceremonies. Warriors would blow on them before going to battle. Whistles were used to warn others of impending dangers. How many holes in the whistles depends on the Nation. Omaha Nation usually has 2 or 3 holes. A narrow lanyard holds the whistle around the wearers neck and a feather plume adorns it. See picture above for examples.
This months craft we will be making our own Eagle Bone Whistle!
Since having possession of an Eagle bone is considered illegal in most states, a good substitute is a turkey bone. Next time your in a Native American supply store or at a Powwow, ask the vender if he or she has any Turkey bones to purchase.
You will need the following supplies:
~ Turkey Bone (3 to 4 inches long, hollowed out)
~drill with a 1/4 inch bit (to be used by an ADULT)!
~ 24 inches of 1/4 inch ribbon, color of your choice
~small feather (1-2 inches)
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~ carefully mark your holes (2-3 holes) with a pencil
~ Get the adult to drill the holes where you have marked them. Adults!
Don't drill holes all the way thru, one wall of the bone will do fine.
~ using the picture above as a guide, tie ribbon in the middle of the bone and glue feather under the knot on ribbon. let dry
~ you can decorate the tips with waves and stripes but plain is better
There you have it! Your first Bone Whistle
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