AkiIkwe

Hey all,
question for you. I was born and raised on the East Coast. The Gourd Dance is similar there but my question is, is it appropriate for "all" women to support the men by dancing around the outer circle during the Gourd dance? I was raised that if you don't have regalia on you need to at least have a shawl, and my pops always taught me to have a shawl handy. What is the tradition here on the west coast? anyone know?
The other east coast / west coast question... my pops always taught me a lady at least needs a shawl and a skirt on, I was a bit suprised to see some with shorts.

homalosa

Hi. I'm Chickasaw but was brought out on the arena by a Kiowa family. This is what I was told: always a shawl and legs covered during Gourd Dance. I don't like seeing shorts either. Whenever I Gourd dance on the perimeter,I'm always dressed in full regalia. I have danced in my shawl and long pants though, once or twice. Still I prefer my full outfit.

str8danzer

why east coast/west coast?...shouldn't the question be, how's it done in Carnegie, Anadarko, Lawton, etc, etc....?

Kiwehnzii

I noticed from your name that you are Ojibwe. It's honorable that you want to dance with the Gourd Dancers, but as far as I know, we didn't do this dance. I haven't been in the Kansas area,but maybe the Potowatomie people who've lived there for a long time have incorporated this dance into their culture. Can anybody fill us in on that?

AkiIkwe

I grew up in Connecticut (from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich) and traveled around a bit. I know this dance does not have Ojibwe background to it.. yet, I find it has become sort of special to me. Thanks to all that took the time to respond to respond to my question.

spiritwoman

When I lived in California, where they did Gourd Dance I only saw 'elder' women participate and, yes, they always had shawls and skirts.

quicksilverwade

Homalosa,
It looks like I found one of your first posts.