Koitsenko facts for kids

The Koitsenko (pronounced "Koy-tsen-koh") was a very special group of ten brave warriors from the Kiowa tribe. Their name means "Principal Dogs" or "Real Dogs." These warriors were chosen from all the different Kiowa groups. They were picked by all the members of the tribe's warrior societies. Being a Koitsenko was the highest honor a Kiowa warrior could achieve.

Kiowa Warrior Societies

The Kiowa tribe had six different warrior societies. These groups were very important for the tribe's safety and way of life. Five of these societies were for adult warriors. The sixth society was just for boys.

These warrior societies were often called "Dog Soldiers." This name came from special visions and dreams about dogs. The Koitsenko were known as the "Real Dogs" because they were the best of the best.

Every young Kiowa boy joined the Rabbit Warrior Society. This was the society for boys. As boys grew older, they could join one of the five adult warrior societies. Some of these adult societies included the O-Ho-Mah Warrior Society, the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society, and the Kiowa Gourd Dance Clan.

The warrior societies had important jobs. They helped keep the tribal camps safe. They also led hunts and went to war to protect their people. The Koitsenko were the most skilled and respected warriors from all these groups. They were an honorary group of ten chosen from the five adult warrior societies.

Becoming a Kiowa Warrior

When a young Kiowa man showed great bravery, he could become an adult warrior. He might then be invited to join one of the five warrior societies. Members of these groups were the protectors of the Kiowa tribe.

Other tribes sometimes called these warriors "dog soldiers." This was because these men were ready to risk their lives to defend their people. The Koitsenko represented the highest goal for any Kiowa warrior.

To be chosen as one of the ten greatest living warriors was the ultimate honor. All members of all the warrior societies had to agree on who deserved this special title.

Special Emblems of Honor

Satank, a Koitsenko leader, wearing a special sash over his shoulder. Portrait by William S. Soule, 1870.

The ten members of the Koitsenko society wore special sashes. These sashes showed their high rank and honor. The leader of the Koitsenko wore a sash made of black, red, and spotted antelope hide.

You can see a spotted antelope sash in the old picture of Satank. This shows he was a leader of the Koitsenko. These sashes were important symbols of their bravery and leadership.

Warrior Traditions Today

Even today, some of the Kiowa warrior societies still exist. Three of the original six societies continue their traditions. Their dances, stories, and customs have been remembered. This helps keep the unique warrior traditions of the Kiowa people alive.

The "Kiowa Gourd Dance Clan," "O-Ho-Mah Warrior Society," and "Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society" still exist for adults. The two youth societies also continue their traditions. However, the Koitsenko group no longer exists in its original form.

Famous Koitsenko Members

Many brave warriors were part of the Koitsenko. Here are some of the well-known members:

• Tohausen
• Guipahgo (also known as Old Chief Lonewolf)
• Satank (also known as Sitting Bear)
• Satanta (also known as White Bear)
• Ko-Et-Hai (meaning "No Retreat")
• Gool-hay-yee (meaning "Everything Red")