Where did this come from?

[MuzeBl]

What is the origin of the Gourd dance?
What's it all about?
What are there any stories/legends associated with it?

[MuzeBl]

I've seen the dance, read a great deal of opinions and commentary about it, but don't know where it came from.

[NDNKIDZ]

ok sorry but i cant figure out how to get the website name so you can click from here.. so just type in www.gourddancing.homestead.com he has done some exstensive work with this website when your done sign his guest book and let him know what you think :)

[NDNKIDZ]

never mind our webbie does it for ya.. cool thanks just dlick and go :)

[Mato Winyan]

I couldn't get it. Says website cannot be found. :(

[NDNKIDZ]

thanks for the info, mato did you try just typing it in? it is in my favorites so i just click and go... try putting gouddancing in search and see what you come up with there, i will try to fix this if i can

[Pawnee Scout]

Have you tried the Kiowa Nation homepage?

[luvstraightdancrs]

My two cents worth....find a Kiowa, it was their dance and has been passed to other tribes.......

[STATE]

I was told that the gourd dance was originated by the Comanches. They would jump off of their horses in battle and sing. They would kind of hop forward a little and then go back. Each time progressing. They would do this as a group of 200 or more men before actually going into battle. It was a ceromony. My father in law did a study at the Smithsonian in the '50's and then with the assistance of the elder Comanches, they revived the "Comanche Little Pony Society". Of course, I have heard the Kiowas RedWolf story too, how the Red Wolf was singing the songs to that dance. But regardless of which origin you follow , it is a dance that belongs to the Southwest Oklahoma tribes, mainly Kiowas and Comanches. My dad is a member of the Kiowa Tia-Piah Society, and of course, my husband and children belong to the Comanche Little Ponies. I have a great respect for the Comanches, if not only for the fact that they have kept their history amongst themselves. I have personally spoken with Woogie and Eva Watchetaker, Chief Padapony, and various other elders and questioned them as to the origins of their ceremonies. They take pride in not having too much of it written down, due to the fact that other tribes "sold out" their heritage and basically made up stories to get well known. They are very strict in their dress, songs, dances, and ceremonies. They know the truth about their history as well as the other tribes that live around them. This history has been rooted and grounded into my children by these same people mentioned who have passed on as well as my father in law and husband.

[ndn_ave]

i believe the cheyennes also claim this dance im not for curtain though

[Beth]

origins

I don't follow either Kiowa or Comanche but have friends that are.
Following Ponca I was told Kiowa origins. If you look at Doc Tate's painting you will see a lot of gourd influence there. Also NAC. I know he was big into Little Ponies so you have several influences there. He would get a kick out of the fact that shortly I will get out of FL for good. It was a running joke.

[MuzeBl]

I'm in Georgia...don't know anyone here to ask.

Thanks for the info y'all...and if anyone knows any Kiowa people here in GA, send them my way...if they wanna share information over a nice home cooked meal.
:)

[Beth]

gourd dance

Try the archives I know this was a topic before.

[luvstraightdancrs]

I was told that the gourd dance was originated by the Comanches. They would jump off of their horses in battle and sing. They would kind of hop forward a little and then go back. Each time progressing. They would do this as a group of 200 or more men before actually going into battle. It was a ceromony

, I have heard the Kiowas RedWolf story too, how the Red Wolf was singing the songs to that dance. But regardless of which origin you follow , it is a dance that belongs to the Southwest Oklahoma tribes, mainly Kiowas and Comanches.

STATE--I forgot your dad told me the Commanche origins. Like you said "regardless of which origin you follow, it is a dance that belongs to the Southwest Oklahoma tribes, mainly Kiowa and Comanches."

Heard both stories - several times at family gatherings. Have no preference just know that our family enjoys participating in all aspects. Just wanted to let you know that I forgot what your dad said - just remembered what we hear most of the time. Maybe we could find an emcee that knows both histories.:)

I hope you are well and again congrats on GON.

[travelingmocs]

Louis Garcia said something a while back in one of his post. If you look many tribes had dances that resemble one another. I have heard storys from various tribes that had something that was like the gourd dance.

I believe with alot of tribes having the sundance, a lot of groups had something along thease lines. And a lot of credit goes to the Kiowas and Commanches for keeping the songs alive. Cause with out the songs all you have is stories.