Powwow: Duck and Dive

Nixyaawii New Years Celebration Mens Traditional contest at Mission Longhouse, Pendleton, Oregon.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• powwow
• native
• american
• dance
• drum
• pendleton
• oregon

[xXShadyWarriorXx]

This is truly a Nez Perce song that is telling/honoring the Big Hole battle in 1877. The two hard beats are the two cannon shots from the calvary on a ridge above the camp before warriors reached it and destroyed it. All people in the camp scrambled from these two shots. This is a Nez Perce warrior song that has been changed over time. Some drums sing it the right way(NI-MII-PUU), But many do not. Don't let anyone tell you different

[PowwowTime]

From a military technology perspective, you really have to be lucky to dodge rifle bullets or field cannon shots. However, records show that two mountain howitzers were used in the Battle of Big Hole (Aug 9-10, 1877) and both were intercepted and dismantled by Nez Perce units under the command of Joseph and Looking Glass. Howitzers and other mortars fire their volleys up high in an arched trajectory; trained and alert ground personnel would indeed more realistically be able to dodge them.

[PowwowTime]

There is (and will probably always be) an ongoing argument whether this dance originated as the Duck and Dive from the Nimiipu (aka Nez Perce) people of the Plateau or as the Arrow Song from the Apsaluuka (aka Crow) people of the northern Plains. The song being sung by host drum Young Spirit (Frog Lake, AB) is sometimes billed as the Plains version.

[standswithafifth]

Im A Wasco and as long as ive been 28 years now ive heard that song just about everywhere but my Grandfather told me it was a True warriors Song That mainly vetrans danced cause bullets where flying over them and thats why the duck and dive

[PowwowTime]

Many stories about this song of course; according to the one I was told, it was inspired by the Battle of Big Hole, August 9-10, 1877 near modern-day Dillon, MT. Chiefs Joseph, Ollicot and Looking Glass attempted to lead their people to freedom from Gen. Howard, but he telegraphed ahead and Col. Gibbons lead an early morning siege of their camp on Aug 9. Suffering many casualties, the Nez Perce still inflicted heavy damage of their own and pressed on for nearly two more months.

[PowwowTime]

I have a recording of it made by Oscar Broncheau, Jim Morris and Cyrus Red Elk back in 1972. They were part of a traveling dance/drum group since the 1920's and it was the last recording of these surviving three old men from the group (whom I understand each passed away later in the 1970's). Along with the singing they recorded their chit-chat and commentaries, this is truly and *old* warriors' song that goes way back!

[nugwan2001]

i really like the explanation of the duck and dive not a lot of people know the meaning of the song i hear a bunch of crap stories about it. Aho.,i was told the story by Horres axtel back in the 80's he from nez contry.

[rezsk8kyd]

@stevenaxtell to all his own, the only songs i really like listening to are duck and dives, others are alright but i like them, and im crow.

[yaktortiz]

@MrUrsoPolar

The stronger ones did make it to Canada.. Non Indians write history for their benefit and to make themselves look n feel good about themselves. I hear a number of stories on this also... I just enjoy the song.. it is a warriors song, and I honor the warriors bcuz if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have what we have today.

[yaktortiz]

@MrUrsoPolar

The stronger ones did make it to Canada.. Non Indians write history for their benefit and to make themselves look n feel good about themselves. I hear a number of stories on this also... I just enjoy the song.. it is a warriors song, and I honor the warriors bcuz if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have what we have today.

[yaktortiz]

@MrUrsoPolar

Who said they never made it to Canada? Untold stories.. History was made by a white man. The stronger ones did make it to Canada.

[tanyagiggity15]

THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!!! thos is my fav dance to watch !!! =)

[akdald]

i learned that duck and dive songs were given to the Nez Perce by the Crows for the right to wear the wing dresses.

[MrUrsoPolar]

Hmmm cool to know this is a Nez Perce song and its meaning, when asked the top 5 Generals of all time I said Looking Glass and Ollicot, Joseph was more of a civil leader but not bad himself so I added him with them, I put them as number one even though most people do not know them. Too bad they did not make it to Canada... but who can doubt their skill and bravery, if we could all be like them this world would be better....