Traditional Outfits

[chickendad]

Though I've been to many Pow Wows, I wouldn't know what would be traditional outfit for Eastern Band Cherokee. I know about turbins, cloth tops, but what else. Because Cherokees were one of the first moved, were they influenced by others. Was there leather, feathers, give info and advice. Or does it matter what someone really wears.

[WhoMe]

Though I've been to many Pow Wows, I wouldn't know what would be traditional outfit for Eastern Band Cherokee. I know about turbins, cloth tops, but what else. Because Cherokees were one of the first moved, were they influenced by others. Was there leather, feathers, give info and advice. Or does it matter what someone really wears.

Chicken,

I'm glad you asked this. It is not too often on this website do people ask what their own people wore in relation to modern powwows.

What time period are you wanting? PreEuropean contact traditional?

The style of "traditional" clothing you are referring to is definitely 1800's. In addition to the turbans there was silver broaches, frock coats, leather and later cloth leggins, garters, both top seamed, leather moccasins and manufactured shoes oh, and yes, ostrich feathers!

[chickendad]

Where would be a good place to find a picture or someone informed who makes such outfits.

[Hazben]

Tribal dress and powwow regalia are sometimes two entirely different animals. If you just want to dance intertribal songs, then you can wear pretty much anything within reason. But if you plan to compete in a powwow category, traditional tribal style, such as a turban, longcoat and leather breeches might not be appropriate for powwow contest dancing.
That doesn't mean that you can't incorporate tribal identity into your powwow regalia, just that it needs to be done within the framework of the category of dance regalia that you want to participate in.
For example, if you went Northern Traditional, you could bead your moccasins, aprons, side tabs, cuffs, etc. in traditional Tsalagi patterns. You could choose colors that reflect your tribal, clan and family ties, and still stay within the bounds of "proper" Northern Traditional regalia.
Probably the best way to learn is to observe and talk with dancers. Most are willing to answer respectful questions about their regalia and style of dance.
I wish you a rewarding journey.

[unegatowodi]

Tribal dress and powwow regalia are sometimes two entirely different animals. If you just want to dance intertribal songs, then you can wear pretty much anything within reason. But if you plan to compete in a powwow category, traditional tribal style, such as a turban, longcoat and leather breeches might not be appropriate for powwow contest dancing.
That doesn't mean that you can't incorporate tribal identity into your powwow regalia, just that it needs to be done within the framework of the category of dance regalia that you want to participate in.
For example, if you went Northern Traditional, you could bead your moccasins, aprons, side tabs, cuffs, etc. in traditional Tsalagi patterns. You could choose colors that reflect your tribal, clan and family ties, and still stay within the bounds of "proper" Northern Traditional regalia.
Probably the best way to learn is to observe and talk with dancers. Most are willing to answer respectful questions about their regalia and style of dance.
I wish you a rewarding journey.

I agree with DavidT on this. It is important to remember most powwow dance styles are now considered to be "pan-Indian", a combination of many styles. Some elements of traditional Cherokee dress are not appropriate except in true traditional dances. Many traditional Cherokee dances are danced in a square, not in a dance circle as at powwow's. For example I try to incorporate Sequoyah's alphabet or some traditional patterns.

[Wojapi4Me]

First off, I have to ask...who in the heck are the AniTsalagi Band of Southern Ohio and the Keating Mountain Cherokee? Come on...

Anyhoo...I'm not a Cherokee, but do live on the reservation here and am quite enscounced in their culture so I'll try to answer your question with reserve...

Most Cherokees who pow wow wear "regular" pow wow outfits and sometimes incorporate Cherokee designs into their beadwork/ribbonwork and othertimes just come up with their own designs. I only know one person...well, one real person who wears what could be considered "traditional" Cherokee dress at pow wows, and he wears a ca. 1830s outfit if I'm not mistaken, and he straight dances in it...very nice stuff and it looks very nice out in the arena.

If you're not an Eastern Band tribal member, I guess I don't see why you'd want to wear an Eastern Band outfit, but who knows anymore???

[StereoTypicalHarley]

First off, I have to ask...who in the heck are the AniTsalagi Band of Southern Ohio and the Keating Mountain Cherokee? Come on...

Check these guys out!

Southern Cherokee Nation of Kentucky