Faces from the Land

From Seattle to New Jersey, crossing through the South and Midwest, the drum of the powwow calls dancers of many stripes. By day they may be construction workers, computer operators, students, or blackjack dealers, but on weekends the ageless rhythms bring them together to celebrate a culture both ancient and modern. Travelling to over 30 cities every year, the photographer Ben Marra sets up a makeshift studio at each powwow and invites participants to be photographed in full costume. Their pictures and accompanying commentary tell a story of a new generation of Native Americans, determined and honor-bound to keep the dancing tradition alive.