Gourd Dance
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians, Dance, Dancers, Dancing, Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: United States
Article abstract: Part of a four-day ceremony honoring a Kiowa victory in a major battle
In 1838, the Kiowa defeated the Arapaho and other enemies in a major battle along the Missouri River in Montana. Skunkberry bushes full of red berries covered the battleground. A warrior who became lost after the victory wandered around for days, seeking his people’s encampment. Then he heard music coming from a red wolf, who taught him to dance to a beautiful tune accompanied by a gourd rattle. The wolf told him to take the song back to his people and teach them the...
[The entire page is 222 words long]
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