The Legend and the History – The Dance and the Regalia
This article about the Native American Gourd Dance was written by Paul R. Burke in 1989. We are presenting it here in its original format with his permission. Paul discusses the history of the Dance and relates several legends related to its origins. He further discusses how the dance has been done in more recent times and describes known variations of it. Though its origins are unclear, the dance may have originated with the Southern Plains Tribes like the Kiowa, Comanche and Cheyenne.
Get Ready to do The Gourd Dance
Accessories that are used for this dance include a wearable Blanket, Rattles (often made with real gourds) and and Bandoliers. You will find Wool Fabric and Trade Silver Brooches at WanderingBull.com that you can use to make your own Blanket. Check our Accessories section for one of a kind Bandoliers.
View our selection of Rattles. You may also like our article Gourd Dance Blankets
Check out our YouTube Video on How to Apply Trade Silver Brooches
