Return to the SITE INDEX A fairly large .wav file is loading by the Kiowa Group Dance Singers. If it does not start once it is downloaded, click your refresh button to start Song. TEXAS GULF COAST TIA-PIAH Annual Texas Gulf Coast Tia-Piah is of the Kiowas of Oklahoma The Mother Club is the Kiowa Tia-Piah, Carnegie, Oklahoma Annual "eMcees" Honor Dance for Grandma Indian Veterans Give-a-way Head Singers Brush Dance Ladies of the Brush Dance Special Logo is Copyright Protected All Copyrights are reserved History: The Kiowa Gourd Dance is the traditional dance of the Tia-Pe-Go Warrior Society, which was one of several men's societies in the Kiowa Tribe. The word Tia-pe-go refers in the past to two words, a bush called SKUNKBERRY and a BRAVE. The story behind how the Kiowas came to name their society is this: Prior to 1790, the Kiowa people and the Comanche people were at war with one another. During one of their war journeys against the Comanches a Kiowa Party had traveled into the Texas Panhandle. As they approached the Comanche position, they heard singing over a nearby hill. On climbing to the top and looking down, the men saw a wolf singing war songs. During the ensuing fight among sand dunes and skunkberry bushes, the MEN remembered this SONG and defeated the Comanches badly. On returning to the Kiowa Camp, theses men formed a Society in recognition of the gift the WOLF had given them. Each man sang the song as he remembered it, and each song turned out to be different. Even today, all Gourd Dance songs end with "ooooooooo" howl-wolf-howl on the end. Always, this is in remembrance of where the Society comes from DANCE ETIQUETTE The dictionary describes "etiquette" as the conventional rules of conduct or behavior in polite society. In other words, these dance rules are to guide one in order to stay friends with the other dancers and spectators. Sometimes, some of the rules are impossible, or at least impractical, to follow. In such a case, do what has to be done and don't forget such phrases as "excuse me', 'pardon me', "thank you', "I'm sorry" and "please". Consideration for others and courtesy can go a long way on the dance floor. Dance etiquette will vary according to different tribal traditions and different circumstances. The following are general "common sense" rules but do not pretend to cover all tribes at all times under all circumstances. Some of the dance etiquette rules are: 1. Be respectful of your elders and of all people on the dance floor. Many older people move slower (with shorter steps) than the younger ones. Don't rush them. Give them a little time. Remember, they are dancing to the same drum beat that you are. 2. Often either the inner circle or the out edge of the dance floor is reserved for fancy dancers. A fancy dancer, with his bustles, takes up more space and he makes quicker and bolder movements than the other dancers. 3. Don't bump into anyone or step on anything. Some of the dancers may be wearing attire that would cost hundreds of dollars to replace. To bump into them can break a feather. To step on a trailer may tear it. 4. Don't weave in and out among the dancers. Inexperienced or young children are inclined to do this. We want you to dance and have fun. A dance isn't a race and you don't have to cover distance to dance. Learn to dance in one spot; then you'll know how when it is prudent to do so. 5. Bells can be very noisy, making it difficult for those nearby to hear the M.C. or their neighbors. Bells are wonderful when the wearer is dancing! It is the responsibility of the dancer with bells to move as quietly and make as little noise as possible when not dancing. Remember: your bells are never as loud to you as they are to everyone else. 6. When a dancer loses part of his attire, if it is NOT an eagle feather, you may pick it up to keep it from being stepped on and broken. If you do pick it up, work your way cautiously to the speakers stand and hand it in. The owner will reclaim it there. Under no circumstances do you keep what is found on the dance floor; by turning it in, you are earning respect from the dancers and the right to dance with them. EAGLE FEATHERs are picked up only with Special Ceremony by a chosen Warrior/Veteran. 7. During benefit dances, boys are urged to dance even though they have no part of a dance attire. This is the time and place to learn. You see people dressed in full attire, and you will again gain ideas of what you want for yourself. Here is the place to try out your new clothes, to see how they feel for dancing. 8. Girls should not come onto the dance floor without a shawl. Usually some women will loan you a shawl to use until you can get your own. Always return it at the end of each dance. Don't expect someone to continue to furnish you a shawl month after month. Get your own as quickly as possible. Later you can add your own attire. Be careful of the borrowed shawl. Keep the fringe off the floor, don't get it wet and try not to tangle the fringe. 9. Honor dances: Honor dances are dances for the purpose of honoring someone. You are invited to dance if you know the honoree, or want to meet the honoree, or want to say "thank your" for their services, such as head dancer. After dancing the honor dance one should go up and shake the hand of the honoree. If you have money (most often a $1 bill) you give it to him/her as you shake his/her hand and thank them or introduce yourself. After a give-away honor dance, often items are scattered around the dance arena and the dancers and spectators are invited to pick up an item. (If you have been called up by name and given something you should leave the floor items for someone who hasn't received a gift.) The dancers or spectators who pick up something off the floor should go up to the honoree, thank the giver and shake his hand before returning to his seat. (No money is exchanged this time.) After being called up by name and given a gift, you should return to your seat by circling the drum in a clockwise direction. 10. The Arena: The chairs in the center of the arena are reserved for the singers. Do not remove any of these chairs unless the head singer asks you to do so. The benches or chairs set up in the inner circle around the arena are intended for the dancers. Some dancers and all the spectators place their chairs in a second circle outside the inner circle. This is the ideal situation and only if there is enough room. Sometimes these arrangements aren't physically possible. The ARENA is a special area and children should not be allowed to play in the arena. No one should walk across the arena at any time. Only dancing in the arena is correct. When it is possible to walk around the arena, do so, being careful not to disturb the dancers or spectators. If it is impossible to walk around the arena, you may enter the arena only when there is no one dancing in the arena. Exit the arena as soon as possible, walk quietly, walk quickly and as inconspicuously as possible. NEVER RUN across the arena. When a bench or chair is covered with a blanket, shawl or even a handkerchief, that chair is reserved for the owner of the things on the chair. Do not sit in it. If you bring your own chair place something on it so that other dancers or spectators will know it is reserved for you. The Arena Director directs the activities in and around the Arena. He helps people to sit in the correct places. He may ask a dancer who is offending the other dancers or a tribe by improper conduct or offensive dress to leave the dance floor. He lines up the dancers who are making "the Grand Entry" according to honor and tradition before they enter the dance floor. Anyone not inn full native dress should not be included in the Grand Entry and it is the Arena Director who decides who may enter. The Arena Director also keeps the drum supplied with drinks as needed. The Master of Ceremonies helps the drum keep the dance moving and acts as a conveyor of messages and request from the dancers to the drum. He explains to the dancers what will be expected of them during certain dances (like the two-step). When he feels it advisable, he will instruct the audience in what the next event is all about. The Second song is often the Flag Song. The Kiowa tribe do not dance during the Flag Song. Everyone stands, hats removed, and at attention. The next song is usually for the Headman, the four men who are elected leaders. This is a tradition among the Gourd Dance Societies since they are the clubs with HEADMEN. Tribal dances that are not Gourd Dances will not have a Headmen's Song. Only the Headmen dance during their song, not even the Head Gourd Dancer dances unless he also happens to be a Headmen. 11. Head Dancers: The purpose of a head dancer is to furnish leadership for the dancers. A dance starts with a "calling song" or a "starting song". It's purpose is to call the dancers to the arena. Sometimes, as with a calling song, the dancers do not dance any during that song. Sometimes, as with the starting some, dancers will being dancing after 2 or 3 verses. Watch the Head Dancer. When the Head Man Dancer begins dancing, all male dancers may follow him. Women follow the Head Lady Dancer. If there is no head dancer available at the moment, occasionally an experienced dancer will temporarily assume the leadership. In such cases, the dancers may follow him/her until the assigned head dancer is available. 12. Courtesies during certain songs: Dancers and spectators stand during the flag song. Men remove their hats. This is the same as pledging allegiance to the flag. Dancers and spectators also stand during the veterans song, an honoring song, the processional and the quitting song. 13. Traditions during the "two-step": The M.C. will call for a two-step and will tell you if it is to be a ladies' or men's choice. This means, if it is ladies' choice, any lady desiring to dance this dance has the privilege of asking the man of her choice to dance with her. To refuse is a rebuff to the requesting lady and will be expected to give her something as a gift, either money (at least a $1) or a part of your attire right then. The same is true if a lady refuses a man. You may feel unsure of yourself in the two-step- don't worry about it. Just follow the leaders, your two head dancers. Besides we all make mistakes. Laugh at yourself and go on! 14. Direction on Dance Floor: Always dance clockwise around the drum or around the center of the arena if the drums are on the arena sides. Dancing counterclockwise around the center is reserved for Warriors/Veterans who have seen battle. 15. HONORING: Honoring an individual according to the Kiowa Tradition, men may honor men but not women. If a man feels he would like to honor a woman, he will get his wife or a female leader to honor the woman. Once she is brought out by another woman and the honoring procedure begins, men may drop money in front of the honoree and dance in the line formed on either side of her. A Man honoring man the old way: To clarify this, let us call the 3 men involved A,B, & C. A wants to honor B, so he asks the aid of C. He (A) dances with C around to where B is standing. He place C next to B and then he (A) stands next to C. They are standing A-C-B. A puts money in front of C. They dance in position until the end of that song. Then A instructs B to pick up the money in front of C and to shake hands with C. B keeps the money even though the money was placed in front of C. On our dance floors today this procedure often varies but it is described were as the old Kiowa way. It is the intent of this author to make this information available to you so you feel comfortable on the dance floor. Knowing these basic rules of etiquette at the dances will help new dancers feel comfortable in knowing what is expected of all dancers. So go out onto the dance floor, practice your steps, learn to live by the etiquette and have fun!!! Enjoy our Indian Friends who taught us these things and get to like yourself in this special celebration of life. Email Button
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TEXAS GULF COAST TIA-PIAH Annual
Texas Gulf Coast Tia-Piah is of the Kiowas of Oklahoma The Mother Club is the Kiowa Tia-Piah, Carnegie, Oklahoma
Annual "eMcees"
Honor Dance for Grandma
Indian Veterans Give-a-way
Head Singers
Brush Dance
Ladies of the Brush Dance
Special
Logo is Copyright Protected
All Copyrights are reserved
History:
The Kiowa Gourd Dance is the traditional dance of the Tia-Pe-Go Warrior Society, which was one of several men's societies in the Kiowa Tribe. The word Tia-pe-go refers in the past to two words, a bush called SKUNKBERRY and a BRAVE.
The story behind how the Kiowas came to name their society is this: Prior to 1790, the Kiowa people and the Comanche people were at war with one another. During one of their war journeys against the Comanches a Kiowa Party had traveled into the Texas Panhandle. As they approached the Comanche position, they heard singing over a nearby hill. On climbing to the top and looking down, the men saw a wolf singing war songs. During the ensuing fight among sand dunes and skunkberry bushes, the MEN remembered this SONG and defeated the Comanches badly. On returning to the Kiowa Camp, theses men formed a Society in recognition of the gift the WOLF had given them. Each man sang the song as he remembered it, and each song turned out to be different. Even today, all Gourd Dance songs end with "ooooooooo" howl-wolf-howl on the end. Always, this is in remembrance of where the Society comes from
DANCE ETIQUETTE
The dictionary describes "etiquette" as the conventional rules of conduct or behavior in polite society. In other words, these dance rules are to guide one in order to stay friends with the other dancers and spectators. Sometimes, some of the rules are impossible, or at least impractical, to follow. In such a case, do what has to be done and don't forget such phrases as "excuse me', 'pardon me', "thank you', "I'm sorry" and "please".
Consideration for others and courtesy can go a long way on the dance floor.
Dance etiquette will vary according to different tribal traditions and different circumstances. The following are general "common sense" rules but do not pretend to cover all tribes at all times under all circumstances.
Some of the dance etiquette rules are:
1. Be respectful of your elders and of all people on the dance floor. Many older people move slower (with shorter steps) than the younger ones. Don't rush them. Give them a little time. Remember, they are dancing to the same drum beat that you are.
2. Often either the inner circle or the out edge of the dance floor is reserved for fancy dancers. A fancy dancer, with his bustles, takes up more space and he makes quicker and bolder movements than the other dancers.
3. Don't bump into anyone or step on anything. Some of the dancers may be wearing attire that would cost hundreds of dollars to replace. To bump into them can break a feather. To step on a trailer may tear it.
4. Don't weave in and out among the dancers. Inexperienced or young children are inclined to do this. We want you to dance and have fun. A dance isn't a race and you don't have to cover distance to dance. Learn to dance in one spot; then you'll know how when it is prudent to do so.
5. Bells can be very noisy, making it difficult for those nearby to hear the M.C. or their neighbors. Bells are wonderful when the wearer is dancing! It is the responsibility of the dancer with bells to move as quietly and make as little noise as possible when not dancing. Remember: your bells are never as loud to you as they are to everyone else.
6. When a dancer loses part of his attire, if it is NOT an eagle feather, you may pick it up to keep it from being stepped on and broken. If you do pick it up, work your way cautiously to the speakers stand and hand it in. The owner will reclaim it there. Under no circumstances do you keep what is found on the dance floor; by turning it in, you are earning respect from the dancers and the right to dance with them. EAGLE FEATHERs are picked up only with Special Ceremony by a chosen Warrior/Veteran.
7. During benefit dances, boys are urged to dance even though they have no part of a dance attire. This is the time and place to learn. You see people dressed in full attire, and you will again gain ideas of what you want for yourself. Here is the place to try out your new clothes, to see how they feel for dancing.
8. Girls should not come onto the dance floor without a shawl. Usually some women will loan you a shawl to use until you can get your own. Always return it at the end of each dance. Don't
expect someone to continue to furnish you a shawl month after month. Get your own as quickly as possible. Later you can add your own attire. Be careful of the borrowed shawl. Keep the fringe off the floor, don't get it wet and try not to tangle the fringe.
9. Honor dances:
Honor dances are dances for the purpose of honoring someone. You are invited to dance if you know the honoree, or want to meet the honoree, or want to say "thank your" for their services, such as head dancer. After dancing the honor dance one should go up and shake the hand of the honoree. If you have money (most often a $1 bill) you give it to him/her as you shake his/her hand and thank them or introduce yourself. After a give-away honor dance, often items are scattered around the dance arena and the dancers and spectators are invited to pick up an item. (If you have been called up by name and given something you should leave the floor items for someone who hasn't received a gift.) The dancers or spectators who pick up something off the floor should go up to the honoree, thank the giver and shake his hand before returning to his seat. (No money is exchanged this time.)
After being called up by name and given a gift, you should return to your seat by circling the drum in a clockwise direction.
10. The Arena: The chairs in the center of the arena are reserved for the singers. Do not remove any of these chairs unless the head singer asks you to do so. The benches or chairs set up in the inner circle around the arena are intended for the dancers. Some dancers and all the spectators place their chairs in a second circle outside the inner circle. This is the ideal situation and only if there is enough room. Sometimes these arrangements aren't physically possible. The ARENA is a special area and children should not be allowed to play in the arena. No one
should walk across the arena at any time. Only dancing in the arena is correct. When it is possible to walk around the arena, do so, being careful not to disturb the dancers or spectators. If it is impossible to walk around the arena, you may enter the arena only when there is no one dancing in the arena. Exit the arena as soon as possible, walk quietly, walk quickly and as inconspicuously as possible. NEVER RUN across the arena. When a bench or chair is covered with a blanket, shawl or even a handkerchief, that chair is reserved for the owner of the things on the chair. Do not sit in it. If you bring your own chair place something on it so that other dancers or spectators will know it is reserved for you.
The Arena Director directs the activities in and around the Arena. He helps people to sit in the correct places. He may ask a dancer who is offending the other dancers or a tribe by improper conduct or offensive dress to leave the dance floor. He lines up the dancers who are making "the Grand Entry" according to honor and tradition before they enter the dance floor. Anyone not inn full native dress should not be included in the Grand Entry and it is the Arena Director who decides who may enter. The Arena Director also keeps the drum supplied with drinks as needed.
The Master of Ceremonies helps the drum keep the dance moving and acts as a conveyor of messages and request from the dancers to the drum. He explains to the dancers what will be expected of them during certain dances (like the two-step). When he feels it advisable, he will instruct the audience in what the next event is all about.
The Second song is often the Flag Song. The Kiowa tribe do not dance during the Flag Song. Everyone stands, hats removed, and at attention. The next song is usually for the Headman, the
four men who are elected leaders. This is a tradition among the Gourd Dance Societies since they are the clubs with HEADMEN. Tribal dances that are not Gourd Dances will not have a Headmen's Song. Only the Headmen dance during their song, not even the Head Gourd Dancer dances unless he also happens to be a Headmen.
11. Head Dancers:
The purpose of a head dancer is to furnish leadership for the dancers. A dance starts with a "calling song" or a "starting song". It's purpose is to call the dancers to the arena. Sometimes, as with a calling song, the dancers do not dance any during that song. Sometimes, as with the starting some, dancers will being dancing after 2 or 3 verses. Watch the Head Dancer. When the Head Man Dancer begins dancing, all male dancers may follow him. Women follow the Head Lady Dancer. If there is no head dancer available at the moment, occasionally an experienced dancer will temporarily assume the leadership. In such cases, the dancers may follow him/her until the assigned head dancer is available.
12. Courtesies during certain songs:
Dancers and spectators stand during the flag song. Men remove their hats. This is the same as pledging allegiance to the flag. Dancers and spectators also stand during the veterans song, an honoring song, the processional and the quitting song.
13. Traditions during the "two-step":
The M.C. will call for a two-step and will tell you if it is to be a ladies' or men's choice. This means, if it is ladies' choice, any lady desiring to dance this dance has the privilege of asking the man of her choice to dance with her. To refuse is a rebuff to the requesting lady and will be expected to give her something as a gift, either money (at least a $1) or a part of your attire right then. The same is true if a lady refuses a man. You may feel unsure of yourself in the two-step- don't worry about it. Just follow the leaders, your two head dancers. Besides we all make mistakes. Laugh at yourself and go on!
14. Direction on Dance Floor:
Always dance clockwise around the drum or around the center of the arena if the drums are on the arena sides. Dancing counterclockwise around the center is reserved for Warriors/Veterans who have seen battle.
15. HONORING:
Honoring an individual according to the Kiowa Tradition, men may honor men but not women. If a man feels he would like to honor a woman, he will get his wife or a female leader to honor the woman. Once she is brought out by another woman and the honoring procedure begins, men may drop money in front of the honoree and dance in the line formed on either side of her.
A Man honoring man the old way: To clarify this, let us call the 3 men involved A,B, & C. A wants to honor B, so he asks the aid of C. He (A) dances with C around to where B is standing. He place C next to B and then he (A) stands next to C. They are standing A-C-B. A puts money in front of C. They dance in position until the end of that song. Then A instructs B to pick up the money in front of C and to shake hands with C. B keeps the money even though the money was placed in front of C. On our dance floors today this procedure often varies but it is described were as the old Kiowa way.
It is the intent of this author to make this information available to you so you feel comfortable on the dance floor. Knowing these basic rules of etiquette at the dances will help new dancers feel comfortable in knowing what is expected of all dancers. So go out onto the dance floor, practice your steps, learn to live by the etiquette and have fun!!!
Enjoy our Indian Friends who taught us these things and get to like yourself in this special
celebration of life.
Email Button