Notes on the Kiowa Sun Dance

The paper presents an ethnographic description of a Plains tribe's sun-dance ceremony, focusing on the organization, ritual roles, and the central sacred medicine image called tai'me. It explains ownership and inheritance of the bundle, the proprietor's role as principal suppliant and director, the use of a captive as substitute, and prohibitions and taboos governing participants. The account describes ancillary images with limited roles, preparatory practices such as sweatlodges and tree selection for the lodge pole, the timing and vows surrounding annual performance, and the ceremony's aims in securing martial and material benefits through ceremonial offerings and sacrifices.