What the heck is 'powwowing'?

The Pennsylvania Dutch traditional healing practice called “powwowing” is the subject of Glencairn Museum’s newest exhibition, “Powwowing in Pennsylvania: Healing Rituals of the Dutch Country.”

The exhibition, which opens Saturday, February 18, draws on private diaries, ritual objects, books, manuscripts and images to explain the ritual healing traditions brought by German immigrants who settled in rural Pennsylvania beginning in the 18th century.

Known in the Pennsylvania Dutch language as die Braucherei, the folk practice was called “powwow” by English-speaking settlers who thought the ritual gestures and chanting resembled those of Native American medicine men.

According to Patrick Donmoyer, director of Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, powwowing is based in Christian beliefs and “blends elements of traditional medicine and folk religion for the healing and prevention of illnesses among humans and livestock.”

“A powwow doctor, who learns the art from oral tradition, depends upon the power of the Divine to perform a ritual cure. Benedictions and prayers are repeated three times, invoking the Trinity, and are accompanied by hand gestures as well as the use of ritual objects to remove the illness and restore health and well-being to the person.”

Donmoyer is guest curator for the exhibition, which chronicles three centuries of Pennsylvania Dutch culture. The artifacts and documents are on loan from the Heritage Center’s extensive collection, as well as the collections of several other museums and private individuals. An illustrated exhibition catalog, written by Donmoyer in collaboration with Glencairn Museum, is available for purchase.

The exhibition runs through Sunday, October 29. It can be visited Tuesday through Friday as part of Glencairn Museum’s regular 2:30pm Highlights Tour and on weekends 1-4:30pm (walk-ins welcome), as well as during Museum events such as the Sacred Arts Festival on Sunday, April 23, and by appointment. While there is no charge to view this temporary exhibition, donations are cheerfully accepted and access is included in tour and event admission.

'Gallery Talk' Saturday, April 1, 3:30pm
In addition, Patrick Donmoyer will present a special program, “Ritual Healing Tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch: Explorations in Folk Religion,” on Saturday, April 1, at 3:30pm. Admission: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors/Students with ID, Free for Museum members. 267.502.2990 to register or for more information.

Glencairn Museum is at 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn 19009.