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Article: The Paradoxical power of endangerment: traditional Native American Dance and Music in Eastern Oklahoma.(Endangered Languages)(Essay)
- Article from:
- World Literature Today
- Article date:
- September 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 University of Oklahoma. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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IN JULY 1999 NEWMAN LITTLEBEAR, a respected Yuchi (Euchee) elder, was in the hospital. This, for his many friends and his large family, was crisis enough, but his illness came just before the annual Green Corn Ceremony of the Polecat Ceremonial Ground. The Green Corn Ceremony is the most important event in the annual cycle of rituals performed by Yuchi "traditional people." Bestowed upon the Yuchi at the time of their creation, it represents an annual obligation of the greatest importance. Central to the event are songs and dances that renew not only the community but the entire world; thus human well-being, not simply Yuchi custom, hangs in the balance when Yuchi prepare ...