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| Their staple food was buffalo |
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| A traditional teepee |
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| Mother Natures invention of grass |
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| An example of a deerskin or buckskin dress |
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Photos
All About the Kiowa peoples
There is so much to know about the Kiowa Tribe!
Foods:
The Kiowa Indians staple food (main food) was the American buffalo. Every part of the buffalo was used. The buffalo provided not only meat, but also buffalo skin teepee (tipi) covers, clothing (hide robes), fuel (dry buffalo dung), tools, weapons, and equipment (ropes and rawhide envelopes for keeping food). They even made glue with hoofs, and turned bones into ornaments and buffalo tails into fly swatters! The men drove the buffalo off cliffs or shot them with a bow and arrow to kill them. They also hunted and ate small game such as birds and rabbits. Other natural foods they ate included wild potatoes, fruits, and nuts. They occasionally traded corn with neighboring tribes. They had many different varieties of foods to eat!
Religion:
The Kiowa Tribe peoples believed in many things! They especially respected the bear, bison, and eagle. The Kiowa Tribe often had ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance, and the Scalp Dance. The Sun Dance was held annually until 1887 when the Government and Military Force prohibited it. The Scalp Dance is performed only when men are returning from war. Kiowa peoples beliefs were a mixture of Kiowa tradition, and Christian Influence.
Climate:
The Kiowa Tribe peoples were nomads (people who don't stay in one place for a long period of time), so the weather had a large range. Summers were very hot, getting up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The average in the summers is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are quite lower, around 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind speeds are often very high in the Western Plains. Sometimes winds can be strong enough to create dust storms, which are occasionally quite harmful. Every year the average is 20 inches or more rain water. It rains throughout the whole year. The weather in the Plains had quite a large range!
Entertainment:
Kiowa peoples did indeed work hard throughout the day, but there were times that they had time to amuse themselves. They were famous for there crafts, such as bead work, hide paintings, and parfleche (which is decorated rawhide containers). At certain events the Kiowa peoples danced or played the flute to accompany some of the traditional hymns.These hymns usually represented beliefs of the tribe. Another way to entertain was to tell stories. The stories were either legends, or fairy tales. These stories would be passed down from generation to generation. Though kids had more chores and less time to play, they still had dolls, toys, and games. One common game was called the hoop game. This game was popular among the children of the tribes to play when chores were finished. After a hard day at work Kiowa peoples had a chance to amuse themselves.
Culture:
The lifestyles of the Kiowa peoples was much different than our lifestyles are today. The woman of the family would do the cooking and cleaning, sewing, and repairing clothes. Usually girls would follow their mother, and do as they were told. Boys would occasionally get schooled, and would sometimes be allowed to go buffalo hunting with the older men. This was considered a great honor for boys. Sometimes children would also fish or gather berries and other various growing foods. Did you know that when Spanish settlers brought horses to the United States, Kiowa peoples abandoned farming to follow herds of buffalo? Before Kiowa peoples were nomads they farmed. When the horses were brought to them they had a way to travel easier. So they left there farming, and followed the herds of buffalo. They constantly had to move, so that is why they have teepee's, because they are easy to take down and put back up. As well as that, not until 1840 did Kiowa make peace with Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Among other tribe, the Kiowa peoples were considered the most predatory. In 1837 they made their first treaty with the Government. They had to live a hard life.
Interesting Facts:
The Kiowa peoples were very unique! The Kiowa peoples lived in a shelter called the teepee (tipi). The teepee is a cone shaped home that is supported by wooden frames that were easy to take apart and put back together. They would carry these wooden frames when they followed the herds of buffalo's. The outer part of the teepee is buffalo hide. The Kiowa tribe were nomads, so this teepee was convenient because it was easy to put together and take apart. The language spoken by the Kiowa peoples was called Tanoan, or Kiowa-Tanoan. Some of the words included:
English: Kiowa-Tanoan:
One Pa
Woman Ma
Man Ch'i
Sun Pay
Moon P'ahy
Also, the Kiowa tribe liked to trade with Pueblo and the Mandan tribes. They traded every time they met up with the tribe on there way following the herds of buffalo.
The clothing they wore was totally different from our modern day clothing! The girls wore deerskin dresses with bright colored designs. The would braid or leave there hair down. The men wore leather leggings, and braided their hair. On special occasions they would sometimes paint their face with bright colors, or wrap their hair in fur. The woman would usually carry their babies on a cradle board on their backs.
They were so unique!
Culture:
The lifestyles of the Kiowa peoples was much different than our lifestyles are today. The woman of the family would do the cooking and cleaning, sewing, and repairing clothes. Usually girls would follow their mother, and do as they were told. Boys would occasionally get schooled, and would sometimes be allowed to go buffalo hunting with the older men. This was considered a great honor for boys. Sometimes children would also fish or gather berries and other various growing foods. Did you know that when Spanish settlers brought horses to the United States, Kiowa peoples abandoned farming to follow herds of buffalo? Before Kiowa peoples were nomads they farmed. When the horses were brought to them they had a way to travel easier. So they left there farming, and followed the herds of buffalo. They constantly had to move, so that is why they have teepee's, because they are easy to take down and put back up. As well as that, not until 1840 did Kiowa make peace with Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Among other tribe, the Kiowa peoples were considered the most predatory. In 1837 they made their first treaty with the Government. They had to live a hard life.
Interesting Facts:
The Kiowa peoples were very unique! The Kiowa peoples lived in a shelter called the teepee (tipi). The teepee is a cone shaped home that is supported by wooden frames that were easy to take apart and put back together. They would carry these wooden frames when they followed the herds of buffalo's. The outer part of the teepee is buffalo hide. The Kiowa tribe were nomads, so this teepee was convenient because it was easy to put together and take apart. The language spoken by the Kiowa peoples was called Tanoan, or Kiowa-Tanoan. Some of the words included:
English: Kiowa-Tanoan:
One Pa
Woman Ma
Man Ch'i
Sun Pay
Moon P'ahy
Also, the Kiowa tribe liked to trade with Pueblo and the Mandan tribes. They traded every time they met up with the tribe on there way following the herds of buffalo.
The clothing they wore was totally different from our modern day clothing! The girls wore deerskin dresses with bright colored designs. The would braid or leave there hair down. The men wore leather leggings, and braided their hair. On special occasions they would sometimes paint their face with bright colors, or wrap their hair in fur. The woman would usually carry their babies on a cradle board on their backs.
They were so unique!
Native American Legend
The Plains
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A long, long, long time ago the Earth had no green grass. The Western parts of the United States were bare.
One day Mother Nature sat down and thought to herself.
“From the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River, and from Southern Canada to Northern Texas, the land is bare.”
She thought and thought, and finally chose to host an important meeting to discuss this matter. She invited Wind, Mountain, and River to join her meeting.
The day of the meeting, Wind, Mountain, and River arrived just in time. For hours they discussed what should fill the open, huge, bare area. Each land form got a chance to share their ideas and opinions. Wind went first.
“Well, I think it should be something I can blow on so it will sway.”
“I think it should be low to the ground,” Mountain exclaimed, “So I can have my privacy up here high in the sky.”
River thought over this situation then spoke, “I want to fill this empty land with something that grows, so my water will go to use, and can give this new land water to grow.”
Mother Nature thanked Wind, Mountain, and River. After they left, she reviewed the meeting.
“Something that can sway, that is low to the ground, and something that grows and needs water.”
She stayed up all night until she came to a conclusion. She would invent the Great Plains. She would fill this area with grassy fields. It could sway, grow, it is low to the ground, and it needs water.
The next morning Wind, Mountain, and River awoke in amazement. What used to be and empty area, was now filled with tons of grass.
Wind finally had something to blow on. Mountain loved having some privacy, and was happy to have something to look down on. River was cheerful knowing that her water would help this grass grow. To this day The Great Plains still exists. Occasionally you can see wind blowing on this grass. Whenever it rains, River is delighted to know that her water is being used, and Mountain still looks down on grass.
Kiowa Child Diary Entry
Dearest Diary,
Have you heard? My brother, Adoeete, was chosen to go buffalo hunting with the elder men, such as father! I am happy for him, though I am slightly jealous that he gets to tag along hunting while I sew or do my bead work. He even gets schooled, while I don't! Sometimes, when he is done with chores, he tutors me, and helps me with my reading. I am no good at math, no matter how much he tutors me. The numbers are just big jumbles in my head! Back to the hunting. Ma is super proud of Adoeete for being chosen, for it is a great honor for boys like Adoeete to go with the other men. Only the most well behaved, and focused, will be chosen!
Tonight we head to the scalp dance, for the return of our men from war. We were invited, for Uncle Akando shall be returning. Ma says to be polite, for these men have been courageous. You see I am not always polite like a girl my age should be. I can't stay still, for I want to explore! Ma even made me a brand new deerskin dress with yellow and green design for this occasion! Then she carefully braided my hair, and painted Adoeete's face neatly. Ma is to wear her best dress, and braid her hair. What a beauty she is! Pa wears his best leggings, and wrapped his braids in fur.
My best friend, Apiatan, is going to the scalp dance along with us, for his sister is ill and his a and Pa are staying with her. He claims he will have his face painted in the brightest colors. Apiatan is also spending the night with us, for he mustn't become ill from his sister, Alameda. Our Teepee is large enough to fit three or possibly four other peoples besides Ma, Pa, Adoeete, and I.
Now here comes the bad news. Pa announced that we are yet again moving to keep up with the herds of buffalo. We have only been here a month or so, and off we are! I always get used to a place and before I know it I start all over again! Pa says it is best, to keep moving, for our main food is buffalo. Don't tell anyone, Diary, but I am sick of buffalo! Along the way we may meet up with the Pueblo peoples, Pa claims. We might trade to get corn!
I must go, you see, I am working on my parfleche, which is a decorated rawhide container. It is very creative, I think.
Yours Truly, Amitola
Have you heard? My brother, Adoeete, was chosen to go buffalo hunting with the elder men, such as father! I am happy for him, though I am slightly jealous that he gets to tag along hunting while I sew or do my bead work. He even gets schooled, while I don't! Sometimes, when he is done with chores, he tutors me, and helps me with my reading. I am no good at math, no matter how much he tutors me. The numbers are just big jumbles in my head! Back to the hunting. Ma is super proud of Adoeete for being chosen, for it is a great honor for boys like Adoeete to go with the other men. Only the most well behaved, and focused, will be chosen!
Tonight we head to the scalp dance, for the return of our men from war. We were invited, for Uncle Akando shall be returning. Ma says to be polite, for these men have been courageous. You see I am not always polite like a girl my age should be. I can't stay still, for I want to explore! Ma even made me a brand new deerskin dress with yellow and green design for this occasion! Then she carefully braided my hair, and painted Adoeete's face neatly. Ma is to wear her best dress, and braid her hair. What a beauty she is! Pa wears his best leggings, and wrapped his braids in fur.
My best friend, Apiatan, is going to the scalp dance along with us, for his sister is ill and his a and Pa are staying with her. He claims he will have his face painted in the brightest colors. Apiatan is also spending the night with us, for he mustn't become ill from his sister, Alameda. Our Teepee is large enough to fit three or possibly four other peoples besides Ma, Pa, Adoeete, and I.
Now here comes the bad news. Pa announced that we are yet again moving to keep up with the herds of buffalo. We have only been here a month or so, and off we are! I always get used to a place and before I know it I start all over again! Pa says it is best, to keep moving, for our main food is buffalo. Don't tell anyone, Diary, but I am sick of buffalo! Along the way we may meet up with the Pueblo peoples, Pa claims. We might trade to get corn!
I must go, you see, I am working on my parfleche, which is a decorated rawhide container. It is very creative, I think.
Yours Truly, Amitola
Traditional Kiowa Clothing
The Kiowa peoples wore clothes that were totally different than the modern clothes today. The Native American peoples wore clothes made out of materials that they could find or get easily. Women wore deerskin dresses, that that painted with yellow, green, or other bright colors. Both men and women wore moccasins on their feet. The women would wear their hair down or braided. The other unique feature of how women dressed was that they had a tribal tattoo on their foreheads. This tattoo would symbolize a belief or tradition. The men and women would sometimes paint their faces for special events. They would paint their faces with bright colors to represent something. The men wore things way different from the women. The men wore breechcloths and leather leggings, and usually went shirtless, depending on the weather. A breechcloth is a strip of cloth (usually a rectangle), that passed between the thighs, and were held up by a belt of some sort. The cloth would cover both the front and back. In some cases girls would wear some type of fitted breechcloth, under their skirt of dress, but not always. Sometimes they also wore turban-like hats, that were made out of otter pelts. They also wore long buffalo hide robes when the weather was colder, so they would have a little extra warmth. The men also wore their hair in braids, just like the women. On really special occasions the men wrapped their braids in fur. Our modern clothing is a lot different than the Kiowa peoples.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Traditional Recipes
Below you will find two traditional recipes, passed down over generations from Kiowa peoples.
Kiowan Frybread
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Ingredients:
-warm water
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon of baking powder
-2 cups of flour
-1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Directions:
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then slowly add the warm water to the sifted dry ingredients until the dough feels like mud. Mix and knead the dough until smooth. Then cover the dough for ten minutes. Break up the dough into lemon size pieces, an roll into balls. Then flatten the balls. Heat the oil in a pan, and fry until golden brown. Best if served fresh with salt or syrup.
Spicy buffalo and spinach
_____________________
Ingredients:
-buffalo meat
-6 chilies
-19 finely chopped fresh sage leaves
-peanut butter
-spinach
-buffalo fat
Directions:
Marinate the buffalo meat in half of the chilies. Put the spinach in with the rest of the chilies, along with peanut butter, sage, and buffalo fat. Put buffalo in with the spinach, and cook until meat is well browned.
Kiowan Frybread
_______________
Ingredients:
-warm water
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon of baking powder
-2 cups of flour
-1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Directions:
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then slowly add the warm water to the sifted dry ingredients until the dough feels like mud. Mix and knead the dough until smooth. Then cover the dough for ten minutes. Break up the dough into lemon size pieces, an roll into balls. Then flatten the balls. Heat the oil in a pan, and fry until golden brown. Best if served fresh with salt or syrup.
Spicy buffalo and spinach
_____________________
Ingredients:
-buffalo meat
-6 chilies
-19 finely chopped fresh sage leaves
-peanut butter
-spinach
-buffalo fat
Directions:
Marinate the buffalo meat in half of the chilies. Put the spinach in with the rest of the chilies, along with peanut butter, sage, and buffalo fat. Put buffalo in with the spinach, and cook until meat is well browned.
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