16 of the Cutest Kids in Pow Wow Regalia (Photos)

Adorable Toddler Siblings In Pow Wow Regalia

As we continue to celebrate pow wow season, it’s hard not to include adorable photos of the children who make pow wows so much more enjoyable. 

The dance outfits worn in the circle during the Powwow are called regalia or outfits. Though highly decorative, these outfits are never referred to as “costumes”. The term costume denotes artificiality and wear that is donned for an event that is not a part of one’s ongoing life.

To the contrary, these Native American outfits are very personal and artistic expressions of the dancers’ lives, feelings, interests, family and spiritual quest. 

Often elements of the regalia are gifts from elders or treasured people in the dancers’ lives and are honorings to be worn with pride and responsibility. The regalia evolves and changes as the dancer evolves and changes in life.

Each season, changes are made depending on the fashion of the time or the personal change in taste.

There is no contradiction in blending historic elements with very modern elements, for example interweaving traditional beadwork with Minnie Mouse braid holders.