Subject
Kiowa Indians Books
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James Mooney
Calendar history of the Kiowa Indians. (1898 N 17 / 1895-1896 (pages 129-444))
"Calendar History of the Kiowa Indians" by James Mooney is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Kiowa tribe, examining their unique systems of recorded history through calendars and pictographs that capture significant events spanning decades. It also explores their sociopolitical structures, religious practices, and interactions with neighboring tribes and European settlers. The opening of the memoir introduces the concept of historical documentation among Indigenous peoples, particularly focusing on the Kiowa's system of calendars that chronicle their societal events, seasonal changes, and disasters like smallpox outbreaks. Mooney emphasizes the significance of these records in preserving the tribe's memory against the encroaching influences of modernity. He outlines the diverse sources of these records and the various methods employed by the Kiowa to maintain their history, providing a contextual framework that underscores the importance of oral tradition and pictographic representation in Indigenous cultures.
Robert Harry Lowie
Societies of the Kiowas
"Societies of the Kiowas" by Robert H. Lowie is an anthropological study written in the early 20th century, specifically published in 1916. The book delves into the social structures and organizations of the Kiowa tribe, focusing on the various men's and women's societies that played a pivotal role in their cultural identity and community interactions. In this work, Lowie explores the distinct characteristics and functions of multiple Kiowa societies such as the Rabbits, Shepherds, and the Black Feet among others. Each society has its unique traditions, memberships, dances, and ceremonies, reflecting the tribe's warrior ethos and social hierarchies. Through firsthand accounts and field research conducted with Kiowa informants, the author paints a detailed picture of these societies, emphasizing their importance in maintaining social order and cultural continuity within the Kiowa community. The book serves as a rich resource for understanding the complexities of tribal life, rituals, and the communal responsibilities that shaped the identities of the Kiowa people.
Leslie Spier
Notes on the Kiowa Sun Dance
"Notes on the Kiowa Sun Dance" by Leslie Spier is an anthropological publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the rituals and ceremonies surrounding the Kiowa Sun Dance, providing a detailed account of the practices, roles, and significance of the event within the Kiowa culture. The book likely serves as a scholarly exploration of a fundamental ritual that holds deep cultural meaning for the Kiowa people. In this book, Spier recounts the intricacies of the Kiowa Sun Dance from a variety of perspectives. The ceremony is led by the owner of a sacred medicine image, called the "tai´me", who directs the proceedings involving participants that include associates and shield owners. The text outlines the preparations, symbolic acts, and various rituals performed throughout the multi-day event, such as costume preparations, fasting, and the pivotal role of prayer and offerings. It also discusses the hereditary nature of certain roles and the belief systems underpinning the dance, emphasizing its significance for material and spiritual well-being among the Kiowa tribes. Overall, Spier's meticulous notes offer valuable insights into Kiowa cultural practices and their connection to identity and communal life.
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