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Kiowa music is the music of theKiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. TheKiowa are afederally recognized tribe, meaning they have a functioning government-to-government relationship with the United States government.
Historically, Kiowamusic has been strongly focused ondancing, such thegourd dance. Mock sham battles, purifying sweat baths, erecting the centercottonwood pole, building the arbor, bringing the brush in, spreading sand on the ground, building the sacred Taimé altar, unveiling the Taimé by the Taimé keeper, distribution of shields, ritual body painting, leading in the different pledge makers/dancers by their clans accompanied by their painters, prayer, speeches, dancing, eagle whistle blowing, visions and feasting by the pledge makers'/dancers' families were all ceremonial elements integral to the four-day k'aw-tow. Modern songs called Brush Dance songs and Buffalo Dance songs commemorate the now outlawed Kiowa Sun Dance.
Kiowa music, one of the most heavily recorded tribes, is part of the larger Southern Plains Indian music genre. The Kiowa created their flag song to honor warriors of the past, present and their people, their memorial song and the dance bustle in the O-Ho-Mah Lodge warrior society from theOmaha tribe. The moderngourd dance adheres to Kiowa protocol and socialmores with the majority of songs composed and/or handed down from Kiowa song makers. TheSmithsonian Institution made recordings during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s that are close to 19th century music, while Indian House Records andCanyon Records began commercial recording in the 1960s and 1970s and Soundchief began recording in the 1940s.[1] Early 20th Century Kiowa recordings are housed in theLibrary of Congress's Archive of Folk Culture,Indiana University American Indian Studies Research Institute, TheOklahoma Historical Society'sOklahoma History Center, and the Kiowa Tribal Museum. Many Kiowa elders also retain a vast knowledge of traditional songs. New Kiowa songs continue to be composed each year for new events, organizations and individuals.
Much of Kiowa music is related to thewarrior societies of the 20th century. Society songs of the 19th century have been integrated into existing music. The Kiowas significant contributions toworld music include the maintenance of cultural institutions and practices, such as theBlack Leggings Society, theOh-Ho-Mah Lodge, theKiowa Gourd Clan,Peyote songs, War Journey songs, also known as49 songs, war mother songs, victory or scalp dance songs,handgame songs, and hymns.
Spencer Asah (ca. 1905/1910–1954) andJack Hokeah (ca. 1900/2-1969) werepowwow singers, andStephen Mopope (1898-1974) was an accomplishedNative American flute-player.[2]Cornel Pewewardy (flautist Comanche/Kiowa) is a leading performer of Kiowa/Southern Plains music, including Kiowa Christianhymns which include prominentglissandos.[3][4] Contemporary Kiowa musicians include Kiowa/Comanche flutistTom Mauchahty-Ware and Terry Tsotigh, flutist. Both Tom and Terry have their own bands and perform nationally.
Prominent contemporary powwow drums led by Kiowa singers include theCozad Singers, Bad Medicine Singers, Zotigh Singers, and Thunder Hill Singers. All four drum groups have won the prestigiousGathering of Nations Southern Challenge.