(NAME-MCE) Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition 9-15-09 Seattle WA

[Anselmo Villanueva]

Faces from the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition

Book presentation with authors Ben and Linda Marra, September 15, 7 pm

Local photographer Ben Marra and his wife Linda have spent the past
twenty years crisscrossing the nation to document the majestic dance
regalia worn at Native American powwows. The resulting book, Faces
from the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition, reveals the dancers,
who, united by the ageless rhythms of the powwow drums, come from many
tribes and nations, different trades, and every corner of North
America to celebrate customs both ancient  and modern. On September 15
at the Burke Museum, Ben and Linda will share stories, visuals, and
music from their journeys.

Faces from the Land showcases the determination of a new generation of
Native Americans to keep the dancing tradition alive. As Ben and Linda
Marra write in the introduction, "Twenty years on the powwow trail
have made us realize  that powwows are more than mere social occasions
with handsome people dancing. The people have chosen a path of
commitment, a way of life. . . . Dancing enables them to live with
honor and pride in being Indian."

This event is free. Following the presentation, Ben and Linda Marra
will sign copies of Faces from the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow
Tradition and their first book, POWWOW: Images along the Red Road,
both of which will be available for sale at the event.

About the Authors

Ben and Linda Marra are a husband-and-wife team who began to document
powwows in 1988. The Marra's ongoing photography project includes a
traveling exhibition for museums, two yearly calendar titles, fine art
photographs, and lithographic  art prints. Faces from the Land: Twenty
Years of Powwow Tradition ($30) is published by Abrams Books. For more
information, visit www.benmarra.com.

Phone: 206-543-5590.
On the UW campus at 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street

http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/