I found this photo of a Navajo earthen hogan in a book I spotted while in Mickel Library’s Native American Religion section looking for pictures. We talked a lot in class about the importance of repetition and circularity in the Native American and specifically Navajo culture, which, as you can see here, influences even the architecture. The smiles of the women next to the hogan are so friendly, I want to get to know them.
I stumbled on this link while Google searching for “Native American flute” images, but I like the article better than the image. The article discusses the history of Native American flutes, which we covered a bit in class although of course they are less pervasive than the drum in Native American music-culture. The story explaining the genesis of the flute is probably apocryphal but I think it’s sweet. http://www.wind-dancer-flutes.com/History_of_the_native_american_f.htm
I found this video while surfing YouTube using the suggestions and terms such as “Ewe”, “Ghana” and “Agbekor”, as we’ ve discussed the Ewe and Agbekor in class. This probably is not Agbekor, but it is Ewe music and dancing including the gankogui, and the young people enjoying themselves and learning their native dance brought a smile to my face. They’re so good already!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_MDVzF5JjI&feature=related
Getting it to do links was trickier than I thought!
ReplyDeleteHey! You found some really neat stuff! Yeah before this class, I never realized that the hogans, teepees (I think thats how their spelled), and wigwams were circular for a reason.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that the flute was so old. It says on that page that the flute came even before a lot of shakers and drums. I read that flutes were also made from river reeds or the legbone of deer (could you imagine putting your mouth on that! eww)I really like the story about the first flute. Check out the first video of my blog. When the story refers to the flute music being haunting and soul-catching, this song is what I thought of. But don't worry you won't fall inlove with the instrumentalist :P.
You did a good job with your research. I will have to go to the library next time instead of just looking online for my COOL STUFF! The picture of the earten hogan is very interesting. That is a really old picture.
ReplyDeleteKrystal Burgess
The history of the flute was intriguing. I did not realize that it was the third oldest known instrument in the world. The different materials that it can be made of is also interesting. The story of the flute being used for courting is interesting because it was the mournful sound of the flute, representing the young man's feelings, that attracted the women to him, not his skill in other areas.
ReplyDeleteHeh, I'm reading the flute article while listening to a Mirabal song on YouTube, so I can't help but find it fitting.
ReplyDeleteAnd the story about the flute is very sweet. It also reflects how in other cultures music is heavily used as a means of courtship. I'm also tickled that it was also believed that you should never play the instrument you attracted your mate with again or else you'd bring someone else along. That's a fun little twist to me.
Oh wow, you really did your homework on this one. I just when on youtube and found "cool" videos. Next I will have to look for "cool" facts lol
ReplyDeleteBut you managed to do the links just fine! Yea! And you must have gotten your hands on a scanner as well, I'm guessing?
ReplyDeleteI like both the video and the article, too. Just wait until we get to the Ancient Greeks and see some of their associations with the creation of music/instruments/etc.
Dr. Vaneman,
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, I used my printer-scanner, with a little help from the screenshot Snipping tool to get it in the right format. And yes, I can't wait 'til spring semester...except I don't want this term to end either!