J.L. Benet

Thanks for your input.
My grandmother's clan is bear. She is my father's mother, so technically, I wouldn't take her clan; but in my mother's family's tradition, you take the clan of your father's family. I guess that means officially I have no clan.
It's interesting that you have seen someone with a ribbon-shirt that looks like mine, although I guess it's not all that unique of a color combination. I had never seen anyone with one like it. If you have any pictures, I'd be interested in seeing it.

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J.L. Benet

Blackbear

My brother says almost the same thing but does'nt say he was rez born because he is'nt.. just says north american.. drives the border folks insane.

IF and I state IF I remember to show my redcard that's all I do but usually I just say whatever pops in my head first.. one time it was Alaskan, another time when they asked where I hail from I gave them my last name and one time (on purpose) I told them I hail from the passenger side of the car.... till I got shot an evil glance from my friend who was driving and did'nt want to be pulled to the side and then I said... I'm Tuscarora. Some people just don't let you have any fun at the border anymore...

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MohawkMan

Very informative post! NICE! So talking more on the sash issuse. At alot of pow wows you see folks wearing on the right side, then on both sides(two Sashes), then some with the knot in the back. Do these have differnt meanings or are we just seeing personal choice here?

Tom Iron Eagle

Where you tie your sash is actually more individual than it is Nation, Tribe, Clan, Band and or Family. Although they all had variations of tying that depending an many circumstances as mentioned in this thread.

Most of the time where it was tied depended on the use of your other accoutrements:

Example 1: When using a bow, Eastern Warriors usually had the sash tied the opposite side of how they shoot so that the tie and or cords did not get in the way of the bow string.

How one shot his bow also dictated how one shaved one side of his head.

Example 2: After the introduction and acceptance of the firearm, Eastern Warriors adopted the use of their side bag or pouch to carry extra needs like shooting supplies (ball, flints, etc.). Depending on whether you were right or left handed showed where you had your bag. Most Eastern Warriors tied the sash opposite the side that the bag lay on.

And in many cases as documented by early drawings, paintings, lithographs, etc., it is seen that the sash was also tied in back and in front instead of on the side.

Among the South Eastern People, the sash was tied mostly in the front in the early 1800s as seen in the paintings by King, Lewis, Inman and more from 1826 - 1847.

Strugganona

I was always taught that everything is tied on the right side of your body. Anything on the left side signifies that your laid out. As far as men having their sash tied in the middle of their back, I heard someone say that "they can't make their mind up if they're alive or dead."
And with older pictures, we have to remember that some of the pictures were copied, so things would be "mirrored." Ive seen pictures where the skirt is wrapped one way, but then saw the EXACT same picture but the skirt was wrapped the other way. Also, some photographers posed/dressed folks a certain way because they-the photographers-thought it looked better...
so in all reality, it's a tough call. Personally, i juss go with what I was always taught cuz I dont want to get the lecture...

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"Talk Is Fine- If You Got The Time, But I Ain't Got No Time To Spare...."