May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsev. 209" 



camp moved into another place and formed in a circle. The owner 

 of the Flat-Pipe then taught the people the proper way to conduct the 

 ceremony by having an old man carry a pipe, buffalo tail, painting 

 himself with natural red paint, and making the announcement of the 

 lodge: "All you members of the Kit-Fox society, members of the Star 

 society, those of the Club-Board, Thunderbird, Lime-Crazy, Dog- 

 soldiers', Buffalo, Old-Men's, and Water-Pouring lodges, listen this 

 day, that all the remainder of our days may be brighter, that there 

 may be an abundance of vegetation, that through the merits of Flat- 

 Pipe we may be protected from plague." So now he called every one 

 to be in one accord, that in the end, they should be prosperous and 

 abide in peace hereafter. 



When the old man went out, there were many people standing 

 outside in front of their respective tipis, to see and hear the first 

 announcement. Seeing the old man stopping affour places, and hear- 

 ing him mention the different lodges and cry with a loud voice, the 

 people uttered words of thanks, such as: "May this cry of mercy be 

 sympathizing unto me, so that I may become an old man!" "Oh! I 

 do wish to be healthy; so with my dear children!" "Thanks! May 

 I overcome trials and hardships and follow a straight path!" "Yes! 

 I want to get well and be able to get around." "May it be pleasant 

 and forgiving in my daily footsteps!" "I do wish that hereafter I 

 may live in peace and harmony!" "Thanks! Joy to me, and also to 

 my relatives!" 



Then the Rabit-tipi, in which all the things are made and painted 

 for the big lodge, was placed within the camp-circle. The owner of 

 the Flat-Pipe made a shallow circular hole back of the skull and ditch, 

 which afterwards contained water that remained until all had taken 

 a good drink for health and prosperity. 



When he had caused the water to be in that little hole, there came 

 a flock of geese flying, cackling, and circling as they advanced. Fly- 

 ing in file they came down and drank four times; then the rest of the 

 people followed, doing the same way; but there was a continuous 

 flowing of sweet-water. After all had quenched their thirst there was 

 plenty of it left. 



The Lodge-Maker and dancers wore paints alike during the entire 

 ceremony, i. e., they were painted in white clay, decorated with dark 

 circles at the wrists and ankles, also diamonds in black, green, yellow, 

 and pink. 



When the lodge was about to be put up, the birds, animals, and 

 trees volunteered themselves for the material of the lodge, so that all 

 those things were admitted, according to strength, purity, and height. 



