Reading Reflection 7

Kiowa Tribe

If I could travel anywhere doing research, fieldwork and ethnography—process of studying and learning about groups of people and describe and analysis those observations---it would have to be the Kiowa Tribe in Oklahoma.
Native Americans have always fascinated me ever since I was a little girl. Their courage and strengths as well as their customs, heritage and willingness to survive tell just how strong these Native America’s really were and are today. However, though there is some knowledge of Kiowa Tribe there still more we can learn from them.

“The Kiowa were a male dominated society. Families could gain prominence through the prowess and fearlessness of their male members. Generally speaking the Kiowa man was in control of everything that affected the lives of the Kiowa people away from the camp. The women were in control of everything that took place in and around the camp. Around the camp she was the boss. The woman was also a skilled craftswoman, making beautiful beadwork and clothing."

"Today there are about 11,500 Kiowa living in Oklahoma. Some are skilled at making a wide variety of arts and crafts that provide a supplement to their income when sold to tourists. Kiowa artists have long been recognized for their skills. As far back as 1891, Kiowa artists were commissioned to produce artworks for major international exhibitions. In 1968 the Kiowa Tribal council was given authority over specific issues relating to the people, such as health, education and economic development. Under Federal Grant programs many Kiowa youth are now attending colleges and universities. This young generation of Kiowa are, thus, readying themselves for professional careers in the white man’s world. In recent decades, however, there has been a growing awareness of Kiowa culture among the younger generation. This has led to a strong cultural identity among young Kiowa people of the 21st Century.” http://www.essortment.com/all/kiowawhowerei_riez.htm

As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to be part of a youth groups that went out west for one week, performing a Christian Musical called, “The Witness.” With characters such as Peter, James, John, Virgin Mary, Mother of James and John and John the Baptist, and a choir of youth we sang songs about Jesus life and the people he meant along the way. I was the Mother of James and John that tried to pursued Jesus to put in a good word to God, and let her sons be God’s right hand men.
Thirty-five of us took a Greyhound bus and toured Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Course, it wasn’t all just about performing we seen and visit many places along the way including Elvis’ Mansion, Becone College Museum, Oral Roberts University and the Kiowa Tribe reservation.

At the Reservation we were greeted by the chief and his four minister/warriors. Being 18 years old I was a little intimated by this tribe and their sober mean looks given to our group. But, we unloaded our bus with all our bags and equipment and set up in a large kitchen facility. Our sleeping bags, pillows and blankets stretched along the walls of the facility while another group went over to a nearby church and set up the equipment for the next day’s service.

Later we all meant back at the kitchen facility and was served dinner by the Kiowa wife’s. The chief and his four warriors walked around talking to some of the group expressing his appreciation to visit and learn about his people.

That evening he and his warriors built a campfire while the rest of us gathered around this wise man. The chief was dressed with traditional head dress and tan attire and told stories of the past Kiowa tribe. Because of his language one of his warriors translated his words to many of us. However, it was still hard to understand him translating to us and I didn’t pay as much attention as I should have. My mind kept wondering else where and looking around this interesting reservation.

Eventually, all the girls went back to the kitchen facility and all the boys went into the church for our nightly slumber. It was quite and isolated as many of us had some trouble going to sleep. But, finally the lights went out and we awoke the next morning to a beautiful sunrise.

After a good breakfast and getting our costumes on we walked into the church to perform for this tribe. I was surprise to see the congregation to be so packed with everyone wearing blue jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes, while the chief and his warriors wore ceremony outfits of white pants and shirt and traditional head dress attire, never cracking a smile or moving an inch. At first, I thought this tribe really resented us for being there. None of them laughed or cut up during some parts of the play. I wondered if we had said or did the wrong things. But later on I found out it was just their way, their custom.

When church lead out, the chief wanted to express again his thanks to each of us by leaving a message to each member of the group. When it became my turned I was a nervous. But, the chief shook my hand and cracked a small smile. He along with his translator talked to me for a long time commenting about my alburn-copper hair and how different I seem from the rest of the group. I was the oldest of the group I told him. But, he said there was to me than just the age. Turning his head he thought for a second than then turned back, giving me the name, Special Blossom,” of the Kiowa Tribe. I thanked him and casualty asked him why he thought of that name. He response and expressed in time you will understand.

Not long afterwards we left the reservation, as I waved from the bus to the tribe having a different outlook about Native American Kiowa and hoped that one day I could go back to this special place and understand them more.

Links to Visit:
a.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiowa Tribe
b.) http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/northamerica/kiowa.html, culture
c.) http://www.nmnh.si.edu/naa/kiowa/kiowa.htm, drawings
d.) http://www.nativeamericans.com/Kiowa.htm, history