Shikaakaate

Oil on Barnwood
15″ x 34″
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The Crow Reservation
Shikaakkaate, a member of the Greasy Mouth Clane and a child of the Big Lodge Clan, is a nickname in the Crow Apsaalooke language for Albert L. Gros-Ventre, Jr. His actual Indian name, Illapichilkaashe, which means sharp-shooter, was given to him by his Great-Great Grandfather, the late William Gros-Ventre who was a World War II veteran.

Shikaakkaate is dressed in traditional Crow Hot Dance regalia. Throughout the plains, the Crows were distinct in their style of dress. The head piece, known as a roach, is made of porcupine hair and deer tail with two eagle feathers standing on top. The male dancers of the Crow wear matching aprons and breech cloths, choker, breast plate, armbands, cuffs, mirror case, belt, buckle and footwear. Most of the beadwork is matching also. The side bells along with angora and ankle bells, run from the hip belt to the ankles. Some of the male dancers carry a dancing stick that’s also a whistle or just carry a decorated dancing stick. They may even carry a fan as well.

The ceremonial dance is to tell Mother Earth that they enjoy being alive and well. Therefore, the men and boys must dance by kicking the ground and make noise by singing and beating a drum.

According to Crow tradition, when a male dancer is ready to take the floor for the first time, he is escorted by an accomplished dancer or someone selected by the family. Together they dance to a personal or family song. Once the dancer has made one complete revolution on the floor, the family will honor him with a giveaway to Clan Fathers and Clan Mothers. After this is complete, he is allowed to go to the dancing floor anytime he wishes. Shikaakkaate wasn’t even a year old when he was taken to the floor to perform his first dance to his Great-Great Grandfather’s song Harry Beads Don’t Mix. It was sung by the Night Hawk Singers of the Valley of the Chiefs, Lodge Grass.