Kwakwaka’wakw Eclipse Dance
This black and white snapshot depicts a group of around a dozen Kwakwaka’wakw men performing a ritual dance to coax the sun out during an eclipse. The Kwakwaka’wakw are a first nation indigenous to the coastal areas of modern-day British Columbia, Canada. The nation was once known as Kwakiutl but changed its name in the 1980s to better represent its linguistic uniqueness. The ensemble is well-known for its originality and spectacular dances. The Kwakwaka’wakw identify themselves based on which “band” they belong to, with bands representing separate groups within the nation: Eagle, Wolf, Raven, or Killer Whale.
Kwakwaka’wakw Eclipse Dance
Feast of San Esteban
This following photo is a little hazy, but the tale behind these people is still clearly obvious. In this 1926 snapshot, a group of Acoma people participate in a march to mark San Esteban’s feast. The yearly feast is held at the Acoma Pueblo. While the pueblo is largely abandoned, many Acoma residents return for the commemorative ceremony. The festival is intended to celebrate San Esteban, or Saint Stephen in English, as directed by a Catholic priest who gained the trust of the Acoma in the 17th century. The event is a full day of dancing, with each group executing a unique routine.
Feast Of San Esteban
