In Those Days Indians Thought A Lot of Their Children

This paper argues that Kiowas composed their nation through family and kinship relations, and I posit that material culture constituted and illuminated kin ties that formed the foundation of the Kiowa nation. Kiowa individuals and families extended, maintained, and cemented these bonds by making and giving material items such as regalia, which manifested kinship bonds that connected them. While families used expressive culture to represent themselves, they also shaped how material culture was produced.  For example, members of families could share specific beadwork designs, and some silver smiths trained their sons and nephews to do metalwork.  Families also served as bridges into community events, which provided opportunities for making regalia and other items.