The Γη-Lon-Schka is the most important surviving ritual dance among the Osage. It is currently a major means for maintaining tribal solidarity. The name of the rite is translated as "playground of the eldest son" and refers to the selection of an son in a family who becomes the Drum keeper. The son guards the drum between yearly performances as well as selecting leaders for the next performance. The rite is held each day, except for Sunday. The drum is installed in the center of the dance area and singers/ drummers surround it and perform songs. In the past all the dancers were men, but today they have women who form an outer circle of dancers. Also, today participation has expanded to adults who do not have any military connection, and…show more content… Osage men wore breechcloths with leather leggings. Also, Osage Indian leaders wore headbands or turban-like caps made of otter fur, with feathers sticking up in the back.
All Osages could paint their faces for special occasions. They used different patterns for war paint, religious ceremonies, and festive decoration.
Recently, they usually wear modern clothes like jeans instead of breechcloths, and they only wear traditional cloth on special occasions like a wedding or a dance.
They have a Mourning Ceremony. After three days of preparation, they hold a special party. To attend the party, they need a scalp, so the dance of this special party has often been called a war dance. It is said that the spirit of a dead Osage must be avenged. That's why they require the sacrifice of the scalp of an enemy over the grave(Burns L,2004, p.373).
The participates paint their faces, and much of the facial painting is in colors. However, they must decorate a portion of their faces with black, - the sign of war, -and all wear leggings and moccasins. Moreover, the members of the warrior gather at one or the other of the two tents, bringing with them two large drums. The musicians need to show their respect for the mourners. The women and children dress in beaded buckskin, ribbons, and bright- colored shawls(Dorsey G,1902, pp. 404-411…show more content… Only a few Osage people, mostly elders, still speak their native Osage language. But some young Osage Indians are working to learn their ancient language again. Example: "howa" (pronounced hoh-wah) is a friendly greeting(Osage nation,2015).
As time passed, the “pure Osage” language was weaken by European influences. Osages were sent off to boarding schools, while there they were forced to quit speaking Osage and speak English. Also, Osages who were born from 1940 forward had English as their first language.
Recently, many attempts have been made to keep the language alive. Due to the efforts of the previous tribal council and new government, they are on the road to preservation and