EXPLORING THE 3 LITTLE-BLUFFS OF THE KIOWA

Three Kiowa men who bore the name Tohausen, or Little Bluff, in the ni neteenth century are frequently confused with each other in the litera ture, contributing to the difficulty of identifying the role of indivi dual agency in Southern Plains history. Each of the Tohausens is here identified and their genealogical relationships are established. Disti nguishing roles and events by which they can be differentiated are def ined, and the passage of significant items of material culture among t hem is traced including shield and tipi designs. A discussion of Kiowa naming practices provides background for understanding how the name o riginated and was transmitted.