The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves. Back to the Top Music Expression Singing is the dominant form of musical expression, with instrumental music serving primarily as rhythmic accompaniment. Native American love songs are often played by men on flutes. Principal instruments have been drums and rattles, flutes and whistles. A very powerful musical presentation may be that of a group of men sitting around a large double-headed drum, singing in unison and drumming with sticks.
Music styles vary from region to region.
In a full marriage, two kinsmen represented the future bridegroom. The future social status of the family and the children depended on the price, therefore the bridegroom was willing to pay as much as he could possibly afford. In half-marriage, the man would pay about half the usual price for his bride. The man would live in his wife's home under her father's jurisdiction. A man might have to half-marry because of a lack of wealth or social standing, or if his father did not approve of his bride.