The Kiowa Gourd Dance, deeply interwoven with the history and legends of the Kiowa people, stands as a testament to their resilience, warrior spirit, and cultural preservation. This vibrant ceremony, steeped in tradition and imbued with profound meaning, offers a glimpse into the heart of Kiowa identity. Understanding the Kiowa Gourd Dance requires acknowledging its unique place within Kiowa culture and its evolution over time.
For those outside the Kiowa community, witnessing the true Kiowa Gourd Dance, also known as the Tdiepeigah, is a rare and privileged experience. The term "gourd dance," while widely used, is somewhat generic. Tdiepeigah, a Kiowa word, carries a richer significance, translating loosely to both "skunkberry" and "brave." The "gourd" itself refers to the rattle, a central instrument in the ceremony, but the name encompasses much more than just the object.
The origins of the Tdiepeigah are rooted in oral tradition, with two intertwined narratives that contribute to its significance. One account speaks of a Kiowa warrior who was taught the songs and dances by a red wolf. The wolf instructed the warrior to share this knowledge with his people, thus establishing the foundation for the ceremony. The other narrative connects the dance to the honoring of battles fought by Kiowa warriors during their long migration from the northern plains to their present-day home in Oklahoma. Both stories underscore the Tdiepeigah‘s deep connection to the Kiowa warrior tradition. It is a celebration of bravery, resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage through generations.
Historically, elements of the gourd dance were originally integrated into the Sun Dance, a major religious ceremony practiced by many Plains Indian tribes. However, the Sun Dance was banned by the United States federal government in the late 19th century as part of a broader effort to suppress Native American cultures and assimilate them into mainstream society. This prohibition forced the Sun Dance underground and impacted many related ceremonies, including the gourd dance.
After a period of dormancy, the gourd dance experienced a significant revival. On Armistice Day in 1946, the ceremony was performed for the first time in approximately 20 years in Carnegie, Oklahoma. This revival was specifically intended to honor Native American veterans who had served in World War II. The event marked a turning point in the preservation of the Tdiepeigah, demonstrating its enduring significance to the Kiowa people.
This initial revival was followed by another resurgence in 1955 at the American Indian Exposition in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The power and emotional impact of seeing the suppressed ceremony rekindled moved many elders to tears. According to Dennis Zotigh, a Kiowa Gourd Clan member, whose great-grandfather, Harry Hall Zotigh, was instrumental in the dance’s revival, this event spurred the formation of the Kiowa Gourd Clan. The Kiowa Gourd Clan has since become a vital institution for preserving and promoting the Tdiepeigah.
Membership in the Kiowa Gourd Clan is no longer restricted to those who have achieved renown as warriors. Today, the clan welcomes individuals who have brought honor to the Kiowa people through their accomplishments in various fields. The clan’s ranks include lawyers, doctors, and even a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, N. Scott Momaday, highlighting the diverse ways in which Kiowa individuals contribute to their community and the broader world.
The Kiowa Gourd Dance itself is more than just a dance; it is a profound ceremony that can span hours or even days. Within the arena, only men participate in the dance, while women gather behind them, providing rhythmic accompaniment and support through gentle movements. The dance is characterized by its spirited yet deliberate nature, with movements that are often subtle and controlled.
The songs performed during the Tdiepeigah are as crucial as the steps. They carry the history, spirit, and emotion of the Kiowa people. Andy Cozad, a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and the Cozad Singers, describes the unique sounds within the songs. He explains that if one listens closely, one can hear a "wolf yelp," reminiscent of the sound made by the red wolf (Gui-Goodle-Tay) who originally taught the songs. The songs also incorporate a "holler" or "shouting sound" that echoes the cries of warriors on their journeys, further connecting the dance to its warrior origins. Cozad proudly acknowledges his family’s direct lineage and right to participate in the dance, tracing it back to figures like Red Wolf, Heap O’ Bears, and Kiowa Charley.
Access to Kiowa Gourd Clan dances is carefully regulated. Non-Indians are generally not permitted to dance, while members of other tribes may participate only if invited by a clan member. This exclusivity underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and cultural significance of the ceremony.
Today, the preeminent Tdiepeigah, according to Kiowa Gourd Clan member Tom Spotted Horse, is a three-day event held annually around July 4 in Carnegie, Oklahoma. While the date coincides with Independence Day, it was chosen primarily because it corresponds to the hot time of year when the Sun Dance would have traditionally taken place.
Dennis Zotigh describes the communal effort involved in preparing for the dance. He notes that the Saturday before the dance, all gourd clan members come together to erect the dance arbor. This collective endeavor is a unique community event that fosters a sense of renewal and shared purpose.
While the Tdiepeigah remains a distinct and carefully guarded ceremony, the term "gourd dance" has evolved to encompass other forms of dance, particularly those performed at powwows to honor veterans. This adaptation, according to Zotigh, is a part of the dance’s evolution, ensuring that it does not become static. However, it is important to recognize that these interpretations, often developed by those outside the Kiowa community, differ significantly from the original Tdiepeigah.
The cultural preservation of the Kiowa Gourd Dance remains of paramount importance. When new members are inducted into the Kiowa Gourd Clan, elders provide them with strict guidelines to ensure the ceremony’s authenticity.
Regalia for the Tdiepeigah is relatively simple, typically consisting of a black shawl, leggings, red and blue blankets, and moccasins. However, respectful attire is even more crucial than adhering to a specific regalia. "Sunday best," such as long-sleeve dress shirts, beaded bolo ties, and fine footwear, is commonly worn to demonstrate reverence for the ceremony.
Tom Spotted Horse recounts the words of Taft Hainta, a respected gourd clan leader: "Nephew, this dance, when we dance, it isn’t really for ourselves. We dance for those who went before us. We’re dancing for them." This profound statement encapsulates the essence of the Tdiepeigah as a tribute to ancestors and a connection to the past.
Dennis Zotigh expresses his willingness to embrace the evolution of the dance as long as it maintains its cultural integrity. He hopes that young people will continue to take the ceremony seriously, heed the wisdom of the elders, and preserve the original protocols as closely as possible. In his words, "Simplicity can be beautiful." The Kiowa Gourd Dance serves as a living link to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise for the future of Kiowa culture.