Historical Photos Of America's Deadliest Horse Tribe
The Kiowa Of The Great Plains
The Kiowa lived for centuries on the Great Plains, hunter-gatherers who, like many tribes in the region, relied on the bison hunt for their way of life.
Like the neighboring Comanche and Plains Apache, the Kiowa were one of the mighty warrior tribes of the Great Plains. These three peoples eventually formed an alliance that fiercely resisted against the United States government.
From their colorful clothing to their legendary warrior bands, find out who the Kiowa are and why they continue to fight for their culture today.
They Hunted Bison
The American bison was the most important food source for the Kiowa on the Great Plains. Before the introduction of horses, hunters would track bison on foot.
The Kiowa became masters of the bison hunt—but it could be a treacherous business.
They Were Stealth Hunters
Hunting one-ton bison on foot is no easy business, and it required Kiowa hunters to get as close as possible without the animal becoming aware of their presence.
To help disguise their approach, Kiowa hunters would sometimes wear animal pelts on their backs, blending in with the environment until it came time to pounce.
They Used Bows And Spears
Hunters would get as close as possible before firing their arrows—or they'd even get close enough to strike at the bison with a long spear.
They Used The Bison For Everything
Bison provided material for most of the Kiowa's needs, especially before the arrival of Europeans. Bone was used for tools, and hides were used to make everything from bags to robes to tipis to jugs for cooking and drinking.
