What is gourd dancer?

The Gourd Dance is a Native American dance style that originated with the Kiowa tribe, but has now spread to other tribes as well. It is a social dance performed at various tribal gatherings, powwows, and other ceremonies.

The dance is performed by men while holding a gourd rattle, typically made from a dried gourd, which they shake to provide a rhythmic accompaniment to the singers. The dance itself is a slow, rhythmic step that represents the movement of a warrior.

The Gourd Dance is often performed before the start of other dances, and serves as a time to honor military veterans and as a way to cleanse and purify the dance arena. It is also a way to show respect for the past and to recognize the important contributions of ancestors and elders.