Gourd Dancing

Gourd dancing is not a “pow wow style” of dance.

Gourd Dances are held regularly by several groups especially in Oklahoma. Today the dance is being done at pow wows before, after, and between intertribal dancing.

The dance was resurrected by the Kiowa Tribe. Several tribes historically held Gourd Dances including the Ponca, Kiowa, Comanche and Cheyenne. Today there are several Gourd Dance Societies or groups.

The gourd is either a real gourd, or a stainless steel salt shaker or an evaporated milk can. They are decorated with leather, beads, string, feathers, and horsehair. The dancer wears a ribbon shirt, buckskin leggins or pants, and a sash round the waist with fringed ends. The dancers also wear a Gourd Blanket over their shoulders. The blanket is made of red and blue wool. A bandolier made from mescal beans is worn across the chest from one shoulder to below the waist. Gourd Dancers either wear boots or moccasins. The moccasins are decorated with beads, tin cones, horsehair, and dye. During the song the dancers move around the circle slowly dancing and shaking their gourds. Ss the song changes to a louder, stronger beat, the dancers stop in place and lift their heels up as they shake the gourds harder.

read about the story of the red wolf.

Find out more in the gourd dance forum.

See more pictures of gourd dancing in the gourd dance gallery.

TOPICS: Native American Dance Styles Page | Types of Dancing | Powwows.com, Pow Wow

Pow Wow Calendar Search

Quick Links

• Contest Results
• News
• Native American Jobs
• Native American Colleges and Universities
• Native American Tribes
• Resources for Scouts
• Resources for Students and Teachers
• Resources for 1st Pow Wow Visitors
• Drum Groups
• Mcs
• Arena Directors

Videos

Jr. Adult Mens Grass Dance in Grand Forks April 2013

Young Eagle Creek Live @ Avi Powwow 2013 men’s Grass/chicken

Clark hand drums

Featured Articles

It’s Pow Wow Time – Spring Touch-ups!

2013 Manito Ahbee Pow Wow

Native American Buckskin Beaded Boots – eBay Find of the Week