Near Arpin in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Indian Dance Rings
Photographed By Keith L, June 28, 2007
1. Indian Dance Rings Marker
Inscription.
Indian Dance Rings. . In early spring, the native ceremonial dances took place here. At their conclusion the Indians returned to their firesides amid chants and the symbolic beat of drums to thank the Great Spirit for the Spring's return. Indians from other tribes attended these rites, coming from other counties and neighboring states. Some arrived by train, alighting at Arpin, which was the nearest station. The Winnebagos of Wood County regularly came to these Potowatomi ceremonies. The dances of Thanksgiving took place in July. The drums beat again, the sound of chanting filled the summer air. Warriors addressed the assembly between chants. The women joined in the chanting, but did not dance. Although the ceremonies followed a sacred pattern, the rites varied from day to day. The fourth and last day the Indians appeared in their best dress, often in full regalia, their faces painted in brilliant colors. White visitors were allowed to witness the ceremonies, but the taking of any pictures was strictly prohibited.
In early spring, the native ceremonial dances took place here. At their conclusion the Indians returned to their firesides amid chants and the symbolic beat of drums to thank the Great Spirit for the Spring's return. Indians from other tribes attended these rites, coming from other counties and neighboring states. Some arrived by train, alighting at Arpin, which was the nearest station. The Winnebagos of Wood County regularly came to these Potowatomi ceremonies. The dances of Thanksgiving took place in July. The drums beat again, the sound of chanting filled the summer air. Warriors addressed the assembly between chants. The women joined in the chanting, but did not dance. Although the ceremonies followed a sacred pattern, the rites varied from day to day. The fourth and last day the Indians appeared in their best dress, often in full regalia, their faces painted in brilliant colors. White visitors were allowed to witness the ceremonies, but the taking of any pictures was strictly prohibited.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans.
Location. 44° 31.746′ N, 90° 4.298′ W. Marker is near Arpin, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker can be reached from Bluff Drive west of County Highway E, on the right when traveling west
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. Marker is in Powers Bluff County Park, near the top of the bluff. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arpin WI 54410, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,347 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
