Pewter Figurines from Designs by Ricker: Bear Dancer

Next in the Ceremonial Dances Collection is the Bear Dancer. The Bear Dance is an ancient ritual that has been performed by many indigenous nations from coast to coast. The dance begins with the 'calling of the Bears' to the four sacred directions. The head Wingman tells the story of the great Bear and instructs the audience/participants in what to expect. Singers and Drummers then enter the sacred fire circle and begin to tell other stories of the Bear in ancient song. Wingmen (Bird People) escort the Bears into the fire circle and continually cleanse them throughout the dance with sacred sage, to keep them from taking on the diseases they are helping to transmute. The Bear's dance movements are prayers and the beautiful rhythmic songs emphasize the strength, courage, beauty and the special healing medicines of the Bear.