BLACK LEGGINS SOCIETY

Military societies are an important part of nations to keep alive military traditions.

One of these companies is the Ton-Kon-Ga or Black Leggins Society of the Oklahoma Kiowa Indians. Only the officially registered kiowa can be part of this society. Members wear black knee pads or black legs and a red cape. The emblem of the company is a man wrapped in otter fur. The official tepee of the company represents the leaders who participated in the Indian wars in the 19th century and the Kiowa soldiers who served the army since 1900. It also includes the names of 9 kiowa killed in battle since the 1st World War.

The company sets up parties and ceremonies for veterans and raises money to fund the graves of deceased veterans.

Twice a year, the company organizes a huge meal for all its members. The women of the society make the dance of the scalp and the victory by using the spears representing each soldier .. Once a year, the society makes the inverted dance during which a veteran stops the drum and tells its exploits of war.