What is Native American Cloth Dancing

What is Native American Cloth Dancing

Ladies Cloth is a form of Native American women's dress and dance and has both a Northern and Southern style. The Southern style is danced by the Kiowas, Osage, Ponca, and others. The Northern style is danced by the Sioux, Crow, and others. The dance is a slow and graceful one much like the Women's Buckskin style.

There are many variations among Native American Tribes with the outfit, including wearing a cloth dress or a wool dress and others. The basic outfit consists of several parts. The boots are a high top moccasin that is usually partially beaded. The dress is a long dress with open sleeves. The bottom of the dress is covered in a wrap that is usually a contrasting color or pattern. The wrap is sometimes fringed like a shawl. This style has a breast plate similar to the buckskin dress. This breastplate however has a front and back to it as opposed to the one sided style worn by buckskin dancers. The belt is either silver conchos or beaded with a drag. The women also wear three other items on the belt. They are the awl case, strike a lite bag and tobacco pouch. The dancer sometimes wears a scarf and choker. They also will carry a fan, purse and shawl.  This type of dance is a truly beautiful aspect of Native American culture.

Women's Southern Cloth - 2022 Gathering of Nations - Powwows.com

Cloth Dancing Photos

 

Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Paul G

About Paul G

Paul G is the founder PowWows.com, who wears many hats as a business coach, photographer, and collector of quirky shirts. Paul started PowWows.com in 1996 while pursuing his graduate degree. With a passion for travel, he and his family hav  traveled the world, capturing unforgettable memories and photos. When he's not coaching or clicking, he's indulging in the magic of Disney.


14 Comments on “What is Native American Cloth Dancing”

  • Avatar for no

    no

    says:

    no

  • Avatar for Abby

    Abby

    says:

    Do cherokee also cloth dance?

  • Avatar for Abby

    Abby

    says:

    Do cherokee also jingle dress dance?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Some Cherokee people dance different styles such as Jingle.

  • Avatar for Roberta Duckhead

    Hello, I am searching for otter wraps. I haven’t been on the pow wow trail in a long time but I’m looking for a vender at one of these pow wow’s. Can someone find one for me. I don’t need a full otter. Thanks

  • Avatar for Clar Eyelash

    Clar Eyelash

    says:

    Can someone share with me the history behind the bone necklace i.e. two sided breast plate for southern cloth outfits.

  • Avatar for alexis

    alexis

    says:

    lol

  • Avatar for alexis

    alexis

    says:

    wow soo glad we have copy and paste lol

  • Avatar for dinecitywoman

    dinecitywoman

    says:

    Curious and want to check out southern clothe along with moccasins and bead style from Kiowa’s

  • Avatar for Starr Smith

    Starr Smith

    says:

    I am Part Cherokee and I am looking for a pattern to make the dresses. More often then not I am more comfortable in the Native American dress styles. And I would love to make me a fancy style Shawl. Anyone out there willing to help me. Thank you. I also want to make my own moccasin high top and low.

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      You can visit our Craft’s forum. You can find help there.

      newpowwows.www.powwows.com/gathering

      Thanks!

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