NDN rez Dawg

First of all, let me say kwe kwe and boozhoo to all my brother's and sister's in NDN country!! I am finally getting started on my regalia (after 13 years of procrastinating!!!). I am just wondering, though, if it would be alright to wear a decorated Stetson with my regalia until I can find, make or buy a roach to go with my outfit. I've seen a few dancers on the powwow trail wearing one, and thought it was kinda neat. But don't know if its a certain nation's(tribe's) custom or not??

Any views or comments are welcome, so feel free to drop a statement.

Chi Meegwetch and Nia:wen Kowa

tigger

i have seen this but i don't think that it's right. i would just wait until you get a roach. but it may be a local custom thing but you should ask those that you see wear them why they wear them.

NDN rez Dawg

thanks for your insight tigger. I will keep that in mind.

ojibwaysweetie

Kahnawake eh?

Do you know any Delorondes?

If you wanna powwow why don't you go with a roach or gustowa, as per your nation(s)?

__________________

WocusWoman

I've seen many things incorporated into regalia; one of my uncles made his old marine corp. dress uniform jacket into a vest under his traditional man's regalia. He looks awsome. You really should try and make your own regalia and stick with whats worn by your tribe or family. Personally I wouldn't put anyone down that incorporated something unusual.

sookout sh'nob

Wear the steston - those hats look pretty good when they have the brim beaded! Later on you'll have the stetson and the roach to choose from - multiple accesories for the same outfit are nice to have... adds a lil fun and spice. ;)

..AmuneOne..

im finallly getting my regalia started i have my dancing stick so far and im pretty proud of it and im waiting on some feathers to start my bustle but im stumped as to what to wear on my head a roch or im not sure what can any one make any other sudgestions

__________________
[font=Arial Black]FONT]

NDN rez Dawg

hey sookout, never thought of the idea of having multiple accessories!!! I think I will try out the stetson with some beadwork on it until i can get a roach!! nia:wen

Speedy™

Could also wear a pelt headdress as well. I was gifted a nice badger pelt, and I have no idea what to do with it. I have seen some Northern Tradish dancers with wolf, coyote, bear etc: with beadwork and feathers worked into them. Killer look too. Buuuut I 've also seen those corny *** mountain men type with thier retarded looking hats they wear. I dunno, maybe someone can help you out with that. Ask around. These days roaches are so darn exspensive. Glad I got mine awhile ago. Just another option fer ya.

__________________
"Guns don't kill people. I kill people."

Tom Iron Eagle

Go with the Stetson if you wish. You must remeber that the Native Peoples all across Native America were vert intrigued by the Head Gear of the White Man - Military, Work, Casual, etc.

All across Native America, they traded for the White Man Head Gear and then changed it and decorated it to fit their needs. And for most part, they would take the White Man Head Gear as a War Trophy and War Honor!

The Top Hat was very popular in the late 18th Century and then all through the 19th Century with Native Americans.

The Stetson (and other more Western Hats) could be seen among Natives as early as the Cilvil War Period and beyond. While that may not seem "traditional" that was 144 Years ago!

And Finally, yes we do see some rather corney and just plain idiotic stuff. But not all of the White Man's stuff was like this. For instance, some of the Mountain Man's Clothing was taken directly from Native American Clothing. These men very early realized that their Eastern White Clothing would not protect them in the ever changing climate of the Rockies. So they abandoned the Eastern Fashion for more Native Inspired Clothing including Leather Shirts and Leggings along with Full Pelt Hats for protection and camaflouge.

Of course the White Man changed some things too. And of course you see some people these days that just don't have a clue regardless.

NDN rez Dawg

Tom, Speedy, and Ammuneone, I am thankful that there are people out there that are more than happy to lend their opinions and insight regarding questions like mine. I was originally going to go with the U.S. cavalry look (bead up the jacket and the hat incorporated with First Nation regalia), but decided not too cuz I am mohawk/chippewa and I don't think these nations had any run ins with the US Cavalry!!!

Your thoughts and helpful ideas inspire me more to keep on with making my regalia. I have finally finished my designs for my outfit and want to start beading it as early as next week. there are many people in my community that are willing to help and teach me, and I am grateful for that.

Until next time!!

Chi Meegwetch tanon nia:wen Kowa!!!