Although observed on the northern circuit in the mid-and late 1980s, the Gourd Dance emanates from Oklahoma tribes and originated with the Kiowa Gourd Clan, a warrior society. Intertribal Gourd Dance societies host Gourd Dance sessions prior to regular dance sessions. These lovely ladies are entering the circle wearing their beautiful regalia. The Women's Traditional Cloth dance of honor reflects the women in Indian society, including their roles as givers of life, keepers of home and family, decision makers, and heads of households. Northern dancers dance in one posiotion or area.
Southern dancers move clockwise around the drum.
Although styles of dress vary, buckskin or cloth dresses with ribbons or shells are often worn. They execute the dips and sways with no break in dignity. The Straight Dance This is Terry Tsotigh, the winner of Larry McCurtain's Straight dance competition for 1996. He was presented with a beaded trophy, donated and beaded by our Head Man dancer Larry McCurtain. Also, the winner received three days, two nights in Las Vegas, and a beaded jacket commemorating the Straight Dance competition.