| Golden State Gourd Society (1973) The Golden State Gourd Society was started in Maywood, California in 1971. The purpose of this organization is to carry on the traditions of the Kiowa Gourd Clan which has been revived to carry on its music and dancing. This dance originated with the Kiowa Tribe and has been handed down from one generation to the next. As members of the Society, we truly cherish and respect the traditions and rich history of the Gourd Dance that have been handed down by our forefathers. | ||
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A long time ago, when the Kiowas lived in the Black Hills and Wyoming area, a young Kiowa warrior was separated from his people. After many days without food and water, he was weak and had given up hope of ever seeing his people again. Nearing his final hour, he heard a strong and clear voice singing beyond a nearby hill. He climbed the hill and as he peered over the top he saw a beautiful Red Wolf. The wolf was standing on his hind legs bouncing up and down, singing songs and melodies that were stirring to the warrior. In the wolf’s paw was a gourd that was used to keep time with each song, and as the song ended he would raise the rattle to the sky and vigorously shake it and let out a howl. The wolf continued singing these songs throughout the night, while the warrior tried to remember each song. At dawn the Red Wolf looked at the warrior and instructed him to take the songs and dance back to his people as a gift. He was told as long as they cherish their tribal ways, this dance and these songs would remain with them. When the Kiowa warrior returned to his people, he related this story. The people listened to the songs and melodies and to show their appreciation to the Red Wolf, they ended each song with a wolf howl.
To this day the Kiowa honor the Red Wolf at the end of each song by shaking their gourds and rendering a wolf howl.
--Golden State Gourd Society
Los Angeles, California