Koitsenko
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The Koitsenko was a group of the ten greatest warriors of the Kiowa tribe as a whole, from all bands. Probably the most famous of them was Satank who died while being taken to trial for the Warren Wagon Train Raid. The Koitsenko were elected out of the various military societies of the Kiowa, the “Dog Soldiers.” They were elected by all the members of all the warrior societies of the entire tribe.[1]
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[edit] Warrior societies among the Kiowa
There were six warrior societies in the Kiowa Tribe during the plains nomad years. Five were for grown warriors, the sixth for boys. The military societies were called "Dog Soldiers" because of visions and dreams of dogs. All young boys were enrolled in the Rabbit Warrior Society, the sixth recognized warrior society. The other five could be joined as the boys grew up. The elite of all the warriors, out of all the societies of every branch of the Kiowa were the Koitsenko. The Koitsenko was an honorary group of ten greatest warriors who were elected from the five adult warrior societies. The soldier societies policed the campsite and went on hunts and into war.[1]
[edit] How a warrior advanced
When a young man had distinguished himself enough to be considered a fully-grown adult and a warrior, he might be taken in by one of the five warrior societies. Members of this group of warrior societies were the protectors of the tribe. Referred to by other tribes as “dog soldiers,” (probably from the Cheyenne warrior society “dog soldiers”), these men were willing to lay down their lives in defense of the Kiowa people. The Koitsenko were the height to which all warriors and members of warrior societies strove. Obviously, to be named by all the members, of all the warrior societies, as one of the ten greatest warriors living, was the ultimate honor for a Kiowa warrior.[1]
[edit] Emblems of the warrior societies
Part of their culture includes dancing with a gourd and a fan. Their warrior society emblems were a bandoleer made of silver and mescal beads and a blanket made of red and blue trade cloth.[2]
[edit] Still existing today
Three of the six warrior societies still exist among the Kiowa. Their traditions, dances, stories, were remembered sufficiently to keep alive the warrior tradition that made their people unique.[2]
