May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsev. 91 



symbols, and on the nose was the usual black dot, the symbol of the 

 buffalo calf. 



The circle on the breast was said to represent the Grandfather, 

 the Sun, with its radiating paths leading to the four corners of the 

 earth, viz., the circles about the wrists and ankles, which also were 

 said to represent suns, and also the Four-Old-Men. This paint is 

 known as the "rain paint." 



At the conclusion of the decoration of the bodies of these four 

 individuals they returned to their position on the northwest side of the 

 circle and began to put on their costumes. First, each put on a buck- 

 skin kiltj then the eagle breath-feather in the hair, while about their 

 neck they placed a buckskin thong bearing the eagle-bone whistle. 

 The head ornamentation of the substitute Lodge-Maker consisted of 

 several eagle breath-feathers bound together at their base by wrap- 

 pings, decorated with rows of blue beads, the feathers being stained 

 yellow. In size and construction this headdress bore a striking 

 resemblance to the two feather ornaments seen on the preceding day 

 at the time of the painting of the sacred belt. 



Each one now stood up and drew around him his buffalo robe, the 

 hair side being out. Each one received from Hawkan a pinch of cedar 

 leaves, which he placed upon a live coal drawn from the fire. Each 

 one now stood over the coal, then stooped down, drawing his blanket 

 tightly around himself and bathing his body in the rising incense. All 

 being in readiness, Hawkan uttered this prayer: 



hawkan's prayer. 



"We are now come again, united in thought, for this holy occa- 

 sion, that this race may continue, and that all people may continue. 

 This tallow which you gave us is our skin. May it be a good seed. 

 We call you through the merits of your grandchildren, who have shown 

 us the way and provided good directions for us. If we are wrong, 

 lead us in the right path again ! 



"Now, my Grandfather (the Wheel), your foundation was once 

 blown down, and it was by the conscientiousness of .your child (Yahdse), 

 a young orphan among us, who went and got the Wheel from the 

 grave. By the resurrection of this holy Wheel we have been saved to 

 this day as a nation. Of course you know that we are young in the 

 ways of our forefathers, and old things have to a certain extent gone 

 out of existence, and we are under obligations to call unto you for 

 your sympathy. Through some carelessness of your servant (Yahiise), 

 he forgot to take the Wheel with him, and some one of the children of 

 yours, who did not know our holy lodge, went and took down the big 



