Kiowa Culture and Music - Essay Example

Oral traditions in Kiowa culture are the expressive representations of purity and unique colors of their native landscape. According to the legends, Kiowa belonged to the Yellowstone River territories in Western Montana from where they migrated to the Black Hills. Their culture primarily centered on their associations with the Buffalo. Nearly all aspects of Kiowa life had internalized buffalo. For instance, their tepees, clothes, and moccasins were all prepared with buffalo skin. They used the whole buffalo for several daily life functions. In addition, buffalo had been central to the Kiowa religion which is expressed in many rituals. For instance, Sun Dance, healing prayers, and ritualistic songs are strongly associated with the Kiowa quest and honor for great buffalo herds (Hager).

During the nineteenth century, Kiowa culture was devastated by buffalo herd obliteration on Great Plains. With exceeding buffalo hunts by professional hunters, Kiowa culture and religion were also crushed. Buffalo hide served as a precursor of modern art tradition as Kiowas used it as their canvases for recording the intricate details, stories, and drawings of the fall of nomadic culture. In their encounter with white culture, imprisoned Kiowa warriors expressed their nostalgia and sorrow in ledger book drawings. These drawings were acknowledged by white culture as elaborate roots of Indian art (Hager).

Kiowa songs and dances originated from the tribal tradition and experiences of death and life. It is based on the thrill of war and the bliss of peace. Every piece of music has its purpose and it is skillfully developed. Kiowa recorded their historical incidents and memories through ritualistic songs. Though every Kiowa could make a song, its use was regulated by very well-defined rules. Furthermore, the creator of the song reserved all the rights to either keep it to himself or give it to a family or tribe to sing. They also believed in the power of music to have an impact on spirits (Boyd 123).

Music and dance are deeply embedded in Kiowa culture, they recalled and cherished their elders through dance and music and continued this tradition in their times (Meadows 229). Even today, Kiowa people are involved in different genres of music; they not only listen but participate and enjoy music in depth. The music genres are generally more Indian or even American, for instance, Rock and Roll, Blues, and Gospel songs. Kiowa culture is associated with a wide range of traditional songs. These songs vary from “powwow songs” to “hand game songs” and “peyote’ to “Indian hymns” songs. Read More