knowledgeseeker

I was just introduced to the Gourd Dance. Unfortunately, I have many questions...Where did the dance orginate, what do you wear and so forth...not that the main description on the powwows.com site isn't helpful, I would just like more information...

CHEROSAGE

True origination is up for arguement/debate. The most popular modern shortened version is that the Kiowas reinstated the dance and kept it going. Many of the songs and Protocol we use today are in general of the Kiowas.

As for the dress of the dance. We wear the nicest clothes we can short of a suit/tux. You are permitted to wear your straight suit if you wish. We have bandaleers worn from left shoulder to right hip. We have a sash worn as a belt, similar to that worn by the 19 century Cav. soldier. We also can wear a red/blue blanket(battle blanket) with our military awards on it. Some wear the red on the left side and I have seen the blue worn on the left. You should talk witha vet/gourd dancer for further more indepth info. & for the protocol.

If you wish you may PM me and I may be able to help a little more. Good luck and may even see you out there someday.

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BOB

luvstraightdancrs

There is also a Comanche version of how the gourd dance came to be. I would suggest that you visit with several gourd dancers to find the answers to your questions.

Just my opinion.......

CHEROSAGE

luvstraightdancrs is correct.

As I had mentioned several nations have a claim to their version of the gourd dance. If you know anyone that is Comanche and a CIVA(Comanche Indian Veterans Association). Many of these people are centered around Lawton OK area.

You will just have to know who is around to help you and determin what you want. A lot to try to digest if you aren't able to grow up in the culture. Sorry to muddy the water even more.

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BOB

travelingmocs

Also if you want to, talk to the Comanche little ponys, they are a good group. If you want to look threw the aechives and you will see many discussion og the origins of the dance. Something was said about wearing straight clothes, that is fine but do not wear your bells.

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If I do not know the answer someone else will!!!!
Also forgive me, this system does not have a spell check so forgive the bad spelling

luvstraightdancrs

My concern here is that he claims he was Not trying to start an arguement (there's enough of that going on already) but shouldn't the one that introduced you have better explained this dance, meanings, origins and protocol.

Just a thought?

CHEROSAGE

Very true. I didn't catch that point. Sorry. In my opinion the responsibility is with the sponsor. A person should have been talked to and given the skinny prior to being introduced. The dancers should already have the know before dancing. I have been asked to sponsor or cosponsor someone into the gourd dance. I will take the time to talk to the person at some length. This person should be properly prepared before the introduction.
Good point, Luvstraightdancrs.

Travelingmocs also has a good point. NO bustles, no bell/dewclaws/deertoes/etc.

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BOB

luvstraightdancrs

I think this "knowledgeseeker" needs to go back to the party that "introduced him" and obtain the answers to his questions.

Just my thoughts.....

MaggieB

good discussion.

However, I may point out that many people who may want enlightenment read forums of this nature. And as it was said before there are too my arguements going on in the forum right now that i think a good gourd dance talk would be enjoyable.

So I will add to this thread instead of starting a new one.

What do you think about those crazy "hop along" lady dancers?

I.E. the red headed one that you see in North Eastern OK and in MO.

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"Deep Thoughts" By Jack Handy

"It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man."

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, yahoo!, I'd have all my money back."

luvstraightdancrs

Haven't seen "hop along" style. But have seen some strange women gourd dancers. Dancing in full regalia (crowns, fancy shawls, even a jingle dress or two) and moving bodies every which way - turning almost completely around.

Times...they are a changin'



Yes I understand that some come here to be enlightened but I personally they should talk to the person that brought them in, find out their way. As you know from being here - everyone has their own version of what is supposed to be done, when and why, So for the sake of confusing oneself and trying to apply everything they've heard -- learn from one first and go from there.

Just my opinion and I am sure that some will not agree - but that's all good..........

MaggieB

that is what i am talking about luvs.

I can't stand to see those girls looking like popcorn not even on beat.

I am ojib. also so when i dance jingle i donot dance durring gourd dance. IT DOESN"T FIT THE STYLE!! I just wish people would understand this!!

ANd just while i am griping: A SHAWL SHOULD NOT BE WORN WITH A JINGLE DRESS~~ I have seen it at some pow-wows and I talking to the little "northern cherokee" (not to be mistaken with NC Cherokees) girl and I still see her doing it.

ok i have said my peice

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"Deep Thoughts" By Jack Handy

"It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man."

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, yahoo!, I'd have all my money back."

luvstraightdancrs

Some folks just have their own version I guess. It's a shame really - you would think they would get a clue upon looking at others and the way they dance and dress.

Oh well, like I said "Times are changing" I just hope I don't see the next step ---- Halter and tube tops, Daisy Dukes and break dance incorporated into gourd dance. LOL!

CHEROSAGE

I for one like to see these Halter/tube tops and daisy dukes, though probably not much Gourd dancing would get done. (don't tell my wife) OK MaggieB. Hahahaha.

I have always wondered why the oddball dancer can't tell when they are out of line. You know even if your ignorant of the rules you should be able to tell if your out in left field. I am glad Knowledgeseeker and others know enough to be able to ask for help.

I have seen the hopper in Quapaw, Ottawa, and many Mo dances in the southwest. I know who MaggieB is talking about. We go to some of the same dances. I'm not sure about the jingledancer with the shawl. I don't believe I've seen this one.

This is a very good topic since many dancers are brought-in without much preperation or knowledge. This shouldn't just be a neeeet dance for one to just decide to start dancing on their own.

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BOB

Allimperfect