DANCE OF VALOR

Bravery and valor are of utmost importance to the Native American cultures. Ceremonies that tell stories of great acts of bravery are central to their spiritual lives. These Pawnee Indians are taking part in a war dance which asks the Great Spirit for victory in the coming battle and valor for all the warriors. The dance and drum are vitally important parts of the preparation for any battle. They are used as a kind of worship for the warriors to the Great Spirit. As the tomahawk is a visible, material weapon against the enemy, the drum and dance are part of the spiritual invisible weapon.