Iroquois music facts for kids

The Iroquois are a group of six Native American nations. Their traditional gatherings are full of music and dance. Everyone joins in the fun at these special events.

Iroquois Music and Dance

The Heart of Iroquois Gatherings

Iroquois communities love to gather for social events. Music and dance are very important parts of these get-togethers. A special person leads these events. They find the main dancers and singers. This leader also helps teach everyone the dance steps.

Traditional Instruments

Many different instruments create the music for Iroquois dances. People use rattles, drums, and flutes. Other instruments that make sounds by being shaken or hit are also common. The music played at these gatherings often has a religious meaning.

Running a Social Gathering

A person called a "house keeper" or "pusher" organizes the social. Their job is to find the best singers and dancers. They know which songs each singer knows well. This person then tells an announcer the plan. All dances are introduced in the Iroquois language. Sometimes, instructions are given to make sure everyone dances correctly.

Instruments for Social Dances

The instruments used in social dances can be combined in different ways. These include the water drum and the horn rattle. Hard sticks are also used. The sound of feet hitting the floor helps keep the beat.

Different Dance Styles

Iroquois social dances have three main step styles. These are called "stomp," "fish," and "side-step shuffle".

Stomp Dance

The stomp dance is a shuffling type of dance. The right foot leads the way. The left foot then comes up to meet the right. Dancers hit the floor just enough to keep time with the song.

Fish Dance

In the fish dance, each foot hits the floor two or more times in a row. This creates a different rhythm.

Side-Step Shuffle

The side-step shuffle is usually done by women. The right foot and the left foot shuffle in opposite directions.