126 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



for them. It has been noted also that the bales and trunks of cloth- 

 ing, as a result of their efforts on that morning, had been kept near 

 the Rabbit-tipi during the daytime, and within at night, and had on 

 the abandonment of the Rabbit-tipi, been removed to the Offerings- 

 lodge, where they remained in the southwest and near the center-pole. 



The dancers were at this time all present, occupying their usual 

 positions around the western half of the lodge. The priests formed 

 in one long fine in front of the dancers and in the southwest portion 

 of the lodge. H6cheni, at the head of the line, sat just to the south 

 of the buffalo skull. Then came, in order, Nishchdnakati, Watanah, 

 Watangaa, Wasas (Osage), Nakadsh, Waakat'ani, Debithe, Chanitoe, 

 Hdwkan, Cheathea, Wadnibe, Watdngaa's wife, and Nishnat^yana's 

 wife. 



Nishnat^yana took the bales and placed them in line in front of 

 the priests. Stepping up to Hdwkan, he prayed over him, that he 

 might be guided aright in the disposition he was to make on behalf 

 of Niwaat, the Lodge-Maker, of this great collection of calicoes and 

 blankets. He then untied the four bales and opened the blankets. 

 Again he spoke, addressing the priests, and said that his grandson, 

 Niwaat, greatly appreciated the kindness of the whole tribe toward 

 him, and that he was satisfied with what they had given him, and that 

 he hoped the priests would feel that they had received some compen- 

 sation for their labors. 



Nishnat^yana now sorted out the goods into piles, which he began 

 to distribute along the line, beginning with his wife at the eastern end. 

 Occasionally he would add a blanket or a piece of clothing to the pile 

 which he began near the center-pole, and which was for himself; while 

 near by he made two additional piles that were to be given to the two 

 messengers or servants, who had assisted so faithfully at the Rabbit- 

 tipi. At the conclusion of the division of the goods, he again turned 

 to the priests and said, "I give you these things for helping my grand- 

 children and myself." The goods were carried out by the women, 

 who took them to their homes. 



It may be added at this place, that shortly before the distribution 

 of the presents, a trunk containing blankets was brought into the 

 lodge. This was part of the payment on the part of Watangaa and 

 his wife, to Hdwkan, for instruction and for privileges which he at that 

 time, and during the entire ceremony, was giving them; for it has 

 already been pointed out that Watdngaa was desirous of obtaining the 

 power to conduct the rites of the Sun Dance. It may also be noted 

 that all knives, axes, etc., used during the ceremony, became, by 

 custom, the property of Hdwkan, 



