142 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



At this time on this day, in the performance of both years, evi- 

 dence of the prevailing good feeling and generous nature of the tribe 

 was abundantly shown. Thus, several chiefs made encouraging 

 speeches to the dancers (see Fig. i, Plate XCII.), commending them 

 for the fortitude shown up to the present, and encouraging them to 

 continue during the few remaining hours of the dance. 



Many of the old married couples stood up by the side of the drum- 

 mers, and in the presence of the assembled multitude, embraced and 

 kissed, while H6cheni stood by, encouraging them and calling the 

 attention of the young people to the blessings of married life. (See 

 Fig. 2, Plate XCIII.) The musicians were also praised for their 

 devoted attention throughout the ceremony, and were publicly thanked 

 by Hdcheni (see Fig, i, Plate XCIV.), who also addressed the visiting 

 Cheyenne and other tribes, thanking them for their presence. 



Many presents were also given at this time; the customary 

 method of procedure being for the donor to lead into the Offerings- 

 lodge a pony, and through Hocheni, make known that he wished to 

 present a pony to some friend. (See Fig. 2, Plate XCIV. an i Plate 

 XCV.) Presents were also made at this time to Naen, who left her 

 seat behind the altar and stood in front of her husband. (See Plate 

 XCVI.) 



CEREMONY WITH THE WHEEL. 



Now begins the most trying part of the ceremony; for in addition 

 to the pangs of hunger and thirst and exhaustion which the dancers 

 must feel by this time, the performance with the Wheel in the hands 

 of the Lodge-Maker is an unusually solemn moment, heightened by 

 an intense religious fervor, increased by the screaming and shouting 

 of the women and the encouraging cries of the men. 



It is the wish of all that no one of the dancers may fall from 

 exhaustion at this time. The singing was much more spirited than at 

 any other time during the ceremony, and more force was put into the 

 movement of the dancers, as well as in the volume of noise produced 

 by the whistles. From time to time the Lodge-Maker would hold the 

 Wheel up toward the center-pole, toward which all now looked. (See 

 Fig I, Plate XCVIL) Many presents were brought in by the female 

 relatives of the dancers, to be given away at this time. At times the 

 Lodge-Maker seemed overcome with emotion. His breast heaved 

 violently and his face was contorted into violent grimaces. After this 

 had continued for perhaps twenty minutes, Debithe arose and went 

 behind the Lodge-Maker, took the Wheel with both hands, and raised 

 it up over the Lodge-Maker's head, toward which he made four passes, 

 and then placed the Wheel down over his heard, whee it rested upon 



