May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 105 



the stem of which had been used for marking the location of the bands 

 on the four roof-poles of the lodge, on the center-pole, for the exca- 

 vation, as well as for similar performances throughout the ceremony — 

 lighted it, and took it to Hawkan, who passed it to Waakat'ani. The 

 priests sat down in a semicircular position about the two pieces of 

 sod. At the right end of the line was Hawkan, with Debithe on his 

 left, then Chanitoe and Hocheni, while at the end of the line sat 

 Waakat'ani. The pipe was passed along the line, each smoking a few 

 whiffs and offering the smoke to the above and below. Hocheni took 

 the pipe-stem, and standing over the sod, made four passes over them, 

 spat upon the sod, first on the sides and then upon the top. 



Watdngaa re-entered the lodge, and going over by the drum, 

 where Cheathea sat, he uttered a prayer, which he repeated after he 

 had stepped up by the side of Hawkan. It will be remembered that 

 Watangaa was a pupil during this ceremony, and his two prayers were 

 in the nature of a supplication that he might not fail or make a mis- 

 take in what he should be required to do during the day. He sat 

 down in front of Hocheni, holding out his two hands. The latter 

 touched his finger to the ground, then to his tongue, took a bite of 

 root, motioned, and spat in Watangaa's hands five times, at the same 

 time giving him words of advice. 



THE SODS BROUGHT TO THE OFFERINGS-LODGE, 1902. 



The journey for the sods in 1902 was begun about nine o'clock in 

 the morning. Just after leaving the Offerings-lodge, the priests 

 turned toward the north with Hdwkan, Watangaa, Watanah, Nishna- 

 t^yana, Chanitoe, Nakaash, and Niwaat, the latter wearing his buffalo 

 robe. Then came in single file Thiyeh bearing an axe, Waanibe 

 carrying an iron bar, His^nibe carrying the digging-stick, Nden bear- 

 ing a -shovel, and Cheathea Next in line was Waatanakashi, followed 

 by ten of the dancers. Continuing toward the north they soon passed 

 outside the camp-circle, where they halted at the foot of the hill 

 where sod of a suitable nature was to be found. 



Around a particular spot, which had been previously chosen, they 

 all formed in one large semicircular line, the opening being to the 

 south. (See Fig. i, Plate XL.) Hocheni touched the first finger of 

 his right hand to the ground, then to his tongue, took a bite of root, 

 then spat in his hands five times. The root was then passed to all the 

 other members of the circle, who went through a similar performance. 

 Chedthea prayed. All now arose, while Hawkan prayed: 



