12" soapstone carving of a traditional Hoop Dancer.
The Hoop Dancer uses 28 hoops with movement and poses to create geometric shapes and images such as wings or tails or other forms from nature while dancing. Hoop dancing originated in close observation of the movements of animals and birds and the elements which underlie nature. There is knowledge sharing involved in learning this dance. He or she dances solo in a performance style accompanied by a powwow drum group or sometimes recorded drum songs. Each dancer has their own unique style.
The number 28 is considered sacred in Native culture. It represents the cycles of life, like the 28 days of the lunar month. The number 4 is very sacred representing the 4 directions, the four seasons, the four ages of humans, and many other natural occurrences. The number 7 is also very central as in the seven generations, the seven laws, the seven sacred ceremonies, the seven days of the week. 7 x 4 is 28 and those three numbers are the most important in Native cultures which are based on the elements of the natural world. And these numbers and combinations of numbers with the symbolism of the circle are the basic language of the hoop dance.
There is much meaning attached to the hoop itself. In Native culture the circle is fundamental. Everything is seen to progress in cycles not in straight lines. The circle represents the interconnectedness of all life. The cycle of life is birth, life, death, and rebirth. The medicine wheel balances life in 4 or 7 equal aspects.
Artist's bio provided with purchase.
