The Crow tribe, also known as the Apsáalooke, are a Native American tribe who historically lived in the Yellowstone River valley. They were known for their musical traditions and continue to practice these traditions today.
What kind of music did the Crow tribe have?
The Crow had a rich musical culture consisting of both vocal and instrumental music. Some key elements of Crow music included:
- Vocal songs for ceremonies, daily life, and recreation
- Storytelling songs to pass down legends and folklore
- Lullabies and children’s songs
- Healing songs for rituals and curing ceremonies
- War songs to incite bravery in battle
- Honor songs to celebrate acts of courage and sacrifice
- Hand drums made from rawhide stretched over wooden frames
- Rattles made from dried gourds and seeds
- Flutes crafted from cedar and cane
- Fiddles adopted after contact with European settlers
Singing was essential to Crow cultural and spiritual life. Both men and women sang, with specific styles for each gender. Drumming, rattles, and flutes provided rhythm and melody to accompany the vocals. The music was passed down orally from each generation to the next. Children learned through active participation and observation of their parents and elders.
What types of vocal music did the Crow have?
The Crow had an extensive repertoire of vocal music that was integral to their daily and ceremonial life.
Ceremonial songs
The Crow held regular ceremonies, like many Native American tribes, to pray, give thanks, and renew their connections to the spirit world. Ceremonies were held for events such as:
- Naming days for newborn children
- Coming-of-age rituals
- Marriages
- Funerals
- Healing rituals
- Sun Dances
Ceremonial songs would be sung to solemnize these occasions and included blessing songs, healing songs, honor songs, and offering songs.
Daily life songs
The Crow also sang songs during their everyday activities to pass time and bring joy. Some examples include:
- Lullabies for putting babies to sleep
- Children’s songs for fun and teaching
- Humorous songs full of teasing and joking
- Gambling songs for games of chance
- Horse riding songs to keep pace and rhythm
- Moccasin game songs for the popular footbone game
These informal songs were lighthearted and upbeat. They helped strengthen community bonds and oral tradition.
Storytelling songs
Storytelling was another major musical tradition. The Crow told stories through specialized singing to pass down their people’s history, myths, and legends over generations. Stories were told through:
- Lullabies retelling old fairytales
- Trickster tales about cunning Coyote characters
- Legend songs about great Crow heroes and warriors
- Myth songs explaining Crow beliefs on nature and the universe
These narrative songs were central in educating Crow children and maintaining tribal identity. The tunes made the stories more memorable.
What types of instruments did the Crow use to make music?
Crow music was predominately vocal, but various instruments provided key rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment. Common Crow instruments included:
Drums
Drums were the most important Crow instrument. They were frame drums made by stretching rawhide or buckskin over wooden frames. The two main Crow drums were:
- Calf-skin drums – Smaller hand drums used by individuals
- Elk-skin drums – Larger drums played communally at ceremonies
Drums marked rhythm and signified the heartbeat of Crow music. They were seen as culturally sacred.
Rattles
Rattles were made from dried gourds or rawhide, filled with seeds or pebbles to create a shaker sound. They provided rhythmic accompaniment during songs and dances.
Flutes
The Crow made flutes from hollowed cedar or cane stalks. These end-blown flutes created ethereal, airy music. They were played as solo instruments or to accompany vocals.
Fiddles
After increased contact with European settlers in the 18th century, the Crow adopted the fiddle and integrated it into their music. Often homemade from available materials, fiddles became popular for their melodic sound.
Instrument | Description | Sound |
---|---|---|
Drums | Rawhide stretched over wooden frames, handheld or large communal drums | Rhythmic, percussive, signified heartbeat |
Rattles | Gourds or rawhide filled with seeds, attached to handheld sticks | Shaking, rhythmic |
Flutes | Hollowed cedar or cane | Ethereal, melodic |
Fiddles | Adopted from Europeans, often handmade | Upbeat, melodic |
This array of instruments allowed the Crow to develop a rich musical soundscape to accompany their vocal traditions.
How were musical traditions passed down in Crow culture?
There was no written form of Crow music. Instead, songs and instrumental techniques were taught through oral tradition and active participation. Music education happened through:
- Children observing and copying elders – As children watched ceremonial and everyday songs being performed, they would learn by mimicking and joining.
- Active participation – Children and adults alike learned music by actively taking part in ceremonies and daily music making.
- Elder instruction – Elders, especially musical specialists, provided guidance in proper singing and instrumental techniques.
- Repetition and practice – Constant repetition ingrained songs and techniques into memory.
This immersive musical experience allowed knowledge to pass seamlessly between generations. Children inherited the songs and stories of their ancestors.
Who were the musicians in Crow culture?
Most Crow tribal members participated actively in music as part of daily life. However, there were also specific musical roles and specialists:
Ceremonial song leaders – Leaders performed songs during sacred rituals and guided others in participation. They were respected for their musical knowledge.
Storytellers – Talented storytellers memorized songs and tales to educate and entertain through narrative singing.
War musicians – Warriors would sing strong hearted war songs and play hand drums to motivate during battles.
Musical healers – Medicine men and women sang healing songs during curing ceremonies to restore health and wellbeing.
Child lullaby singers – Mothers, fathers, and grandparents would sing soft lullabies to lull babies to sleep.
Flute players – Flutists performed melodious music for meditation, courtship, and ceremonial purposes.
Dancers – The Crow held communal dances where participants would sing and move together rhythmically.
This overview shows music was open to all while still having musical specialists.
Are traditional musical practices still preserved today?
Yes, the contemporary Crow tribe maintains strong connections to its musical heritage. Some modern practices include:
- Use of traditional songs and drumming at Crow Fair and other modern powwow gatherings
- Singing of flag songs to open and close events
- Youth programs like the Crow Native American Club to teach traditional music
- A revival of music and dance from the Sun Dance ceremony, which was banned until the 1970s
- Visiting drum groups and dance troupes from other tribes to exchange musical knowledge
- Maintenance of traditional dance societies and medicine lodges that preserve ceremonial music
- Crow language classes in schools and community centers that teach vocabulary through song
However, there are also concerns that the younger generation is losing connections with ancestral music as modern influences take hold. Tribal elders continue to emphasize the importance of keeping their musical heritage alive by passing knowledge to each new generation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music was utterly essential to traditional Crow culture. The Crow developed a rich tapestry of songs, rhythms, tales, and melodies that embodied their tribal history and beliefs. Music intertwined with every facet of daily life and ancient ritual. This knowledge was expertly transmitted through active, immersive methods that imprinted songs into memory. While modern influences are a concern, the contemporary Crow tribe still celebrates its musical heritage. Elders strive to maintain time-honored traditions and revitalize ancestral songs to preserve Crow cultural identity. Music remains the pulse of the Crow people, connecting past and present.