How do you enter the Gourd danceing?

[jcurley17]

I just wanna know how you been come a gourd dance even when your not a vet.

[CHEROSAGE]

I was invited while I was still serving in the Army. This is the way I was taught. We should be brought into and introduced as a Gourd dancer. I have had the privilege to be able to sponsor Vet. friends as a Gourd dancer.

[TWDBear]

I'm not a vet, but i was invited to Gourd Dance back in 97'.


To be honest, i enjoy it more than powwow dancing.

[park]

There's no ledge where you stand

I have never heard that being a vet is a requirement for any modern Kiowa gourd society (Gourd Clan, Kiowa Tia-piah, etc.). It is a requirement for Black Leggings, another Kiowa warrior society. While a lot of members are vets, there are long-time members and even headsmen that are not vets. Historically, members of tai-pe-go were veterans because virtually every male was a warrior. I think that the "all veteran" approach is relatively new and a creation of urban groups.

[laokie]

In the Kiowa Gourd Clan and the Golden State Gourd Society a person must be sponsored by a member and voted into the Society.

[CHEROSAGE]

It's true that we don't need to be Vet's. I was told that if a person was not a Vet. themself they could dance for a family memeber that was not able to dance. Now I don't know if a person could (should) dance if they have no military experience within the family.

Any Kiowas, Comanches, etc from the Lawton-Anadarko area that will please address this issue I would appreciate the help. My Uncle from that area is no longer with us.

Irregardless the military experience, I believe that everyone that wants to gourd dance should follow the established protocol. I have problems and have made my opinions well known to all around me. I don't like the new agers and new dancers that make up their own rules. If their is any question to how a dance should be just go to the Lawton-Anadarko-Carnegie area. The songs have a right way to be sung, the dancers have a right way to dance and poise themselves. I believe we can have fun and enjoy ourselves ane still stay within the guidelines.

Enough rambling on this topic (again). Wa-Do!!!!!!!!!!!

[paraivo]

Cherosage
That is not rambling--that is just the way it is.:)

[jcurley17]

where can i go to join gourd danceing i live in arizona

[jcurley17]

anyone else know if there is any other place that i cna join the gourd dance?

[CHEROSAGE]

Sorry, I can't help you with that one!!!!!!!!!!

[echohawkneconie]

Gourd Dancing

My dad is from the Kiowa tribe, he said that at one point in time that was just for those who served in any type of Military service. But now it can be for those who are doing thing for the tribe or those who have help build the camp ground area. Getting inductied into the Kiowa gourd clan is one of the hardest things to do. Not sure about the others but, if you want to see a good one go to Carnagie, OK the week of 4 of July. I think it starts on tuesday and ends wendsday if im correct. Not claiming that I know every thing but do know about the Gourd clan.

[jcurley17]

does anyone else have anything to say???

[CHEROSAGE]

As I was taught you should have a Gourd dancer as a sponsor to introduce you and mentor you as a gourd dancer.

[jcurley17]

so do i just ask any gorud dancer??

[jcurley17]

nope i got a PM from you a whlie back but that was the only one