May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey, ;^;^ 



who had passed through the lower orders — the members of this society 

 occasionally performed a ceremony of four days' duration, known as 

 the "crazy dance"; (6) the HethShinena, or Dog-soldier society, per- 

 haps the most important warrior order among the Arapaho, occupying 

 an especially prominent position in times of warfare; and (7) the 

 Chinachinfina, or Sweat-lodge society. The members of this society 

 were limited to seven in number, one or more of whom acted in the 

 capacity of high priest in the performance of important ceremonies. 

 They also gave instruction to the members of other orders. The rites 

 of this order have never been described. 



THE PRIESTHOOD. 



To obtain a position such as that held by Hoheni or Nishchdnakati 

 does not so much imply a knowledge of the rites of the ceremony, as 

 it requires membership in the highest of the Arapaho societies, the 

 "Water-Pouring" or "Sweat-lodge," which presupposes membership 

 in all the minor societies. To be able to assume the responsible 

 position of director or chief priest, such as that held by Hdwkan, one 

 need not necessarily have been a Sun Dance Lodge-Maker several 

 times. He may obtain the office by participating in the ceremony, 

 especially by painting the poles and the center fork several times. 

 Hdwkan began by obtaining the privilege of painting the poles and 

 the center fork, then entered the Rabbit-tipi, where he offered his 

 services in the making and painting of the altar paraphernalia, etc., 

 making payment each year, the amount being regulated by the nature 

 of the service he was permitted to perform. 



VIII.— Characterization of the Eight 

 Ceremonial Days. 



In order that the sequence of the rites in the ceremony may be 

 better followed, the main events of the performance on each day of 

 the ceremony are herewith summarily given. It should be stated first, 

 however, that while the ceremony of 1901 was hurried, and conse- 

 quently lasted only seven days, that of 1902 was given in full, and 

 consequently lasted eight days. In comparing the events of the cere- 

 mony of the two years, it may be stated that the first day of the 1901 

 ceremony corresponds to the first day of the 1902 ceremony; while the 

 events of the second day of the 1901 performance were divided between 

 the second and third days of the 1902 performance. The third, fourth. 



