Stephen is 1/16th Choctaw and his former partner Jerry Crawford was 1/2 Choctaw. The Choctaw Native American people originated from the Southeastern United States. The Choctaw are descendants of the Hopewell and Mississippian cultures. They coalesced as a people in the 17th century. Prior to the 1830 Indian Removal Act, the Choctaw never went to war with the United States. However, as a result of this Act of Congress, the Choctaw were the first of the five Civilized Tribes to be forced from their land.
Since we met, Stephen and I have traveled the U.S. and attended several powwows. This weekend, the Monacan Indian Nation held their annual powwow in Elon, VA. We put the roof down, put some sunscreen on, and took off for nearby Elon.
We spent the day looking at arts and crafts and eventually decided on a black Santa Clara Pueblo jar signed by Stella Chavania. The pottery piece features the Avanyu (water serpent who is the guardian of water), Lightning bolt, the Spirit Path, an Exit Hole for the Spirit, Water, and a Squash Blossom ( the Road to Man's Life).
Stephen always wanted to own a piece of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery, and now he does!
Needless to say, the dancing, music, and regalia were a total delight. Many dancers from many tribes lit up the large dancing ring with authentic regalia of their tribe and for each particular dance.
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