Kiowa – Nomadic Warriors of the Plains
The story of the Kiowa people is etched in the vast landscapes of the American Great Plains, a tale of migration, adaptation, and resilience. These nomadic warriors, deeply intertwined with the buffalo and the horse, carved their existence from the heart of the continent, leaving behind a legacy that echoes through the generations. This is a story that begins in the north and winds its way southward, shaped by conflict, alliance, and the relentless pressures of a changing world.
The Kiowa people trace their origins to the northern reaches of the Missouri River basin. Around 1650, driven by reasons still debated by historians and anthropologists, they began a southward migration. This journey led them to the Black Hills, a region already inhabited by the Crow Indians. For a time, the two tribes coexisted peacefully, sharing the resources and the bounty of the land. During this period, the Kiowa were organized into ten independent bands, their collective population estimated at around 3,000 individuals. Their lives were characterized by a close connection to the natural world, a deep understanding of the seasons, and a growing equestrian culture.
The tranquility of this period was not destined to last. The arrival of other tribes, themselves displaced by the ripple effects of westward expansion, disrupted the established order. The Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Sioux, forced from their ancestral lands in the Great Lakes region by the advancing Objiwe tribes, pressed southward, creating a domino effect that ultimately impacted the Kiowa. Pushed from the Black Hills, the Kiowa began a new migration down the Platte River basin, venturing towards the headwaters of the Arkansas, Cimarron, Canadian, and Red Rivers.
This new territory was not unclaimed. The Comanche, already established in the region, viewed the arrival of the Kiowa with suspicion and hostility. Conflict ensued as the two tribes clashed over hunting grounds and resources. The landscape became a battleground, echoing with the sounds of warfare and the struggle for survival. The Kiowa, known for their fierce warrior spirit and equestrian skills, proved to be formidable adversaries.
The tension between the Kiowa and Comanche persisted for years, until an unlikely intervention brought an end to the hostilities. The Spanish, who had established a presence in Santa Fe, recognized the potential for instability and sought to broker a peace treaty between the warring tribes. In 1807, the Spanish successfully mediated an agreement, forging an alliance between the Kiowa and Comanche. This alliance not only brought peace but also allowed the two tribes to share the vast territory of the southern plains.
The Kiowa also formed a close association with another group, the Plains Apache, often referred to as the Kiowa-Apache. This smaller tribe, sharing cultural similarities and a nomadic lifestyle, became closely affiliated with the Kiowa. Together, they hunted, traveled, and engaged in warfare, solidifying a bond that transcended tribal boundaries. The Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, united in their shared destiny, became a powerful force on the southern plains.
The alliance between the Kiowa and Comanche, further strengthened by the Kiowa-Apache, allowed them to expand their influence and reach. They soon began to raid settlements in Texas and New Mexico, acquiring horses and mules that were highly valued by the northern Plains tribes. This trade network not only enriched the Kiowa but also solidified their position as key players in the complex web of intertribal relations that characterized the Great Plains.
The Kiowa lifestyle was deeply rooted in the nomadic traditions of the Plains Indians. The buffalo served as the cornerstone of their existence, providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Skilled hunters, the Kiowa followed the vast herds of buffalo across the plains, their lives dictated by the rhythms of the hunt. They also gathered wild vegetables and fruits, supplementing their diet and ensuring their survival. Their homes were the iconic teepees, portable and easily adaptable to their nomadic way of life. Constructed from buffalo hides stretched over a framework of poles, the teepees provided shelter from the elements and a sense of home wherever they roamed.
The horse was integral to the Kiowa way of life. Introduced by the Spanish, the horse revolutionized their ability to hunt, travel, and wage war. The Kiowa became renowned horsemen, skilled in horsemanship and breeding. Their horses were not merely transportation; they were symbols of wealth, status, and power. The Kiowa warriors, mounted on their swift and agile steeds, were a formidable force on the battlefield. Their military prowess and equestrian skills earned them a reputation as some of the most skilled and respected warriors on the plains.
The historic Kiowa ranged across a vast territory that encompassed southwestern Colorado and southwestern Kansas, in addition to their primary territory in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. This expansive range reflected their nomadic lifestyle and their dependence on the buffalo herds. They moved with the seasons, following the availability of resources and seeking out the best grazing lands for their horses.
After 1840, the landscape of the Great Plains began to shift dramatically. The Kiowa, recognizing the growing threat posed by the encroaching United States, forged new alliances with their former enemies, the Cheyenne, Comanche, and Apache. United in their shared resistance to westward expansion, these tribes joined forces to fight and raid the Eastern natives who had moved into the Indian Territory. This alliance marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the region, as the tribes sought to defend their ancestral lands and way of life.
The United States military, determined to assert its control over the Great Plains, intervened in the escalating conflict. The clash between the Kiowa and their allies and the U.S. military intensified, resulting in numerous battles and skirmishes. The pressure from the U.S. government eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867. Under the terms of the treaty, the Kiowa agreed to settle on a reservation in southwestern Oklahoma, effectively confining them to a designated area.
However, the Kiowa found it difficult to adapt to the restricted life of the reservation. Confined between the Washita and Red Rivers, they chafed under the limitations imposed upon them. In 1874, frustrated by broken promises and the loss of their traditional way of life, some Kiowa warriors resumed warfare with the white settlers in the vicinity. Primarily based in Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, Texas, these renegade bands continued to resist the encroachment of American settlers.
The U.S. military responded with force, launching a campaign to subdue the Kiowa and their allies. The turning point in the conflict came when large numbers of Kiowa horses were captured and destroyed, crippling their ability to hunt and wage war. Several key Kiowa leaders were also captured, further demoralizing the tribe. Faced with overwhelming odds and dwindling resources, the Kiowa were eventually forced to surrender and return to the reservation.
The final blow to the Kiowa way of life came on August 6, 1901, when the Kiowa land in Oklahoma was opened for white settlement. This act effectively dissolved the contiguous reservation, breaking up the tribal lands and scattering the Kiowa people. While each Kiowa head of household was allotted 80 acres, the vast majority of the land was opened to white settlers, forever altering the landscape of the region. Today, the only land remaining in Kiowa tribal ownership consists of scattered parcels of grassland, leased to white settlers for grazing.
Despite the challenges they have faced, the Kiowa people have persevered. They have maintained their cultural traditions, their language, and their sense of identity. The Kiowa Nation continues to thrive, working to preserve its heritage and promote the well-being of its members. The story of the Kiowa is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, a people can maintain their identity and their connection to their past. Their legacy continues to resonate across the Great Plains, a symbol of strength, courage, and the enduring spirit of the Native American people. The Kiowa people’s story is one that deserves to be told and remembered.