May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 49 



At the conclusion of this performance, a song was begun, the tune 

 being the same as that sung on the previous night in the Rabbit-tipi. 

 This song was also accompanied by the shaking of the rattle. The 

 singing now continued for about twenty minutes, during which time 

 water was gradually poured upon the stones. From time to time, one 

 or another of those inside was heard crying or praying, while the 

 two messengers outside threw themselves down near the door and 

 joined their lamentations with those within. As has been explained 

 before, this is spoken of as "weeping for mercy," and may be regarded 

 as a form of supplication. Above the singing and lamentation of the 

 priests was also to be heard the noise made by the lashing of their 

 naked bodies with the cottonwood boughs. 



At the conclusion of the singing, some one inside gave the word 

 to the servant to remove the covering from the door. This was not 

 only done, but the curtains were lifted on the west side of the lodge. 

 In this manner the priests remained within the lodge for a period of 

 about fifteen minutes, when the Wheel was passed out to Hdwkan. 

 Watdnah then made four motions toward the skull, picked it up, and 

 carried it back to the Rabbit-tipi, where it was placed in its usual 

 position. Hdwkan followed, carrying the Wheel, which was also 

 replaced as before. (See Plate V.) 



SYMBOLISM OF THE SWEAT-LODGE. 



The little cleared path between the fireplace and the door of the 

 Sweat-lodge is the road. It is cleared because the tribe wish to prosper 

 and live in happiness so long as the earth lasts. 



The circular excavation inside the Sweat-lodge, where the heated 

 stones are placed, is called "Opened-Brains," reference being made 

 to a certain myth. The little hole inside of this excavation, in which 

 the incense is placed, is the navel of the mother; it is the place of our 

 birth, the sipapu of the Hopi, the earth representing the mother. (See 

 Fig. 2, Plate VIII.) The incense which is placed on the "navel" is 

 offered to the Four-Old-Men, for the reason that they are constantly 

 watching, in winter and summer, and during the day and night. They 

 control the wind and cause it to blow according as they feel 

 sympathy. 



They take a sweat in the lodge because they want to be cleansed 

 from former sins, evil desires, and be protected from all kinds of 

 plagues, etc. 



The singing inside of the Sweat-lodge, both in tone and in words, 

 is similar to that in the Rabbit-tipi. The songs are sung with deep 



