May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. ' 113 



of the outer upright poles were long, slender cottonwood poles, reach- 

 ing up to the fork of the center-pole. These are called "hakabuna." 

 Extending entirely around the lodge, except for a single space toward 

 the east, were placed small cottonwood limbs, with their foliage out- 

 side, on the ground, their tops leaning against the cross-piece. 



THE FOUR-OLD-MEN. 



Counting from the first rafter-pole at the south of the east open- 

 ing, the fourth and the seventh were painted black (watannenithe), 

 while the third and sixth poles, occupying corresponding positions on 

 the north side, were painted red (be^nithe). These are the only two 

 colors used in the Offerings-lodge, although in the lodges of the vari- 

 ous other ceremonies paints of other colors are used. The poles 

 painted black are symbolic of the earth and of the victory which 

 comes from the triumph over the enemy when one wears the black 

 paint, as well as happiness which comes from conquering the hardships 

 of life. The two red-painted poles are symbolic of the Indian' race 

 offering prayers to the above; the red also typifies cleanliness and the 

 wish to be old and happy. 



Collectively, the four painted poles represent the Four-Old-Men 

 or Gods of the Four World Quarters. They cause the wind to blow, 

 and human life is dependent on them for their breath. In fact, all 

 life is dependent on the "breath of the air," which comes from the 

 Four-Old-Men. They are thus prayed to during the ceremony. A 

 similar color symbolism is attached to the red and black bands around 

 the center-pole. They are also said to be the reflection of the sun 

 upon the earth. 



The reasons ascribed for the number of the upright poles forming 

 the outer circle of the lodge, viz., sixteen, was that this was the num- 

 ber in the first Offerings-lodge revealed to man. It may be noted 

 here that the number of poles used in an ordinary tipi varies from 

 twelve to eighteen, according to the size of the tipi, while in the 

 Sweat-lodge there are seven primary poles. 



NIH'A-'GA'' AND THE ELK SKULL. 



The loosely placed upright boughs of cottonwood surrounding the 

 lodge, except at the east door, have already been mentioned. The 

 boughs were especially thick at the west side of the lodge, behind 

 the altar. The reason given for this referred to a certain myth: 

 "When Nih'a"9a" came to the Offerings-lodge, he went behind it and 

 peeped through ; in doing this he stuck his head forward to see the 



