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What dances or customs did the Haida people have?

Dances:

* Eagle Dance:

> Performed by male dancers wearing elaborate eagle costumes, representing strength, courage, and transformation.

* Raven Dance:

> Enacted by male and female dancers, symbolizing the trickster figure and embodying mischievousness and adaptability.

* Canoe Dance:

> Celebrates the importance of canoes in Haida culture, showcasing skilled movements and rhythmic paddling gestures.

* Frog Dance:

> Features dancers imitating the movements and sounds of frogs, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and connection to nature.

* Salmon Dance:

> Honours the significance of salmon in Haida society, highlighting the interdependence between humans and the natural world.

* Bear Dance:

> Represents both the fierce protector and the provider, embodying strength and the circle of life.

Customs:

* Potlatch:

> A ceremonial gathering centered around gift-giving and feasting, serving as a means of redistributing wealth, strengthening social ties, and honouring special occasions.

* Totem Poles:

> Carved monumental sculptures that serve as symbols of lineage, social status, and the interconnectedness of the Haida people with their environment.

* Canoe Journeys:

> Long-distance voyages undertaken for trade, exploration, and cultural exchange, demonstrating the Haida's skilled seafaring abilities.

* Oral Traditions:

> A rich body of oral histories, legends, and myths passed down through generations, encapsulating the cultural identity and worldview of the Haida.

* Longhouse Living:

> Extended families reside in communal longhouses, fostering strong community bonds and cooperation.

* Artistic Expression:

> Haida art encompasses various forms, including wood carving, painting, weaving, and jewellery crafting, reflecting their artistic prowess and cultural symbolism.

Modern Dance

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