136 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



Having provided themselves with the necessary material, they 

 placed sage on the ground in the tipi in front of them, upon which 

 they placed calico. Upon the calico they laid the strips of otter hide 

 and certain feathers and other materials about to be required. Each 

 one now touched the forefinger of his right hand to the ground, and 

 then to his tongue, took a piece of sage root, from which he bit off a 

 small portion, spat in his hands five times, and rubbed himself over 

 the head, arms, breast, and body. Then they began the work of pre- 

 paring the bandoleers. 



Having fashioned the otter skin in proper form, seven eagle feath- 

 ers were attached on the one side, together with eagle breath-feathers 

 stained green and red, and pieces of yellow woodchuck hide. At the 

 lower side of the bandoleer, i. e., at the point which was to hang lowest 

 on the body, was attached a white ring, about two and a half inches 

 in diameter, such as is used on harness. 



Having completed the construction of the bandoleers, the two 

 priests passed them over the incense produced by burning sweet grass 

 on live coals. HanSkenakuwu (White-Buffalo) then made a prayer: 



HANAKENAKUWU'S PRAYER. 



"Man- Above, we come to you for this holy ceremony, as we wish 

 to fix these objects as your servants used to do. We are poor and 

 humble before you. Remember that we are young, so please help us 

 to make these things to be used to-day for your comfort! May they 

 look good to the eyes of the people. As it was when the originator 

 of these wreaths, paints, and necklaces gave them to us, so now, let 

 it be pleasing to you! May the sun be cool for the dancers. May we 

 go back to our homes in good health ! Give us good water and food ! 

 Show us some clouds for shade over the dancers!" 



INTRUSIVE CEREMONIES. 



On the afternoon of this day there was a diversion, in the nature 

 of certain public performances which were held in a large temporary 

 enclosure, made about one hundred yards to the east of the lodge. 

 The dancing here was largely of a social nature, the various partici- 

 pants dancing for the amusement of their societies, and especially for 

 their visitors. (See Plate LXXIV.) Some of the members of the 

 visiting tribes also danced from time to time. There were many 

 exchanges of presents, such as ponies and calico. 



