May, 1905. 



The Cheyenne — Dorsey 



105 



arms to the top of her head and down her legs, for the four medicine- 

 spirits and the sun, for the Lodge-maker and his wife desired to be 

 supported by those beings. As the hands were passed down the 

 legs, the tips of the fingers were placed in such a manner as to give 

 the painting a grained appearance. This represented straight roads, 

 which they desire them to follow. The legs, breast, and back of both 

 Lodge-maker and his wife were thoroughly coated with paint. Then 

 the entire bodies were both completely painted and grained. The 

 white gypsum paint is said to be endurable, sound, hard, heavy, 

 and never dies; it represents the white earth. Thus the Lodge- 

 maker and his wife express the desire that their life may be pro- 

 longed until old age. 



Both priests next painted on their subjects the symbols of the 

 medicine-spirits, sun and moon. The first, or medicine-spirit of 

 the south, was represented by a black circular line encompassing 

 the right ankle; the west spirit by a line around the right wrist; the 

 north spirit by a line around the left wrist; and the east spirit by 

 a line around the right ankle. The sun symbol, a circular black 

 disc, was placed on the breast, and a crescent representing the moon 

 was placed on the back of the right shoulder. Next a black circle 

 was painted around the face, representing the earth, the circle being 

 begun at the chin and continued to the left side of the face, and 

 on around. Projecting from this circle toward the center of the 



face were four short lines, 



one in front of each ear, ^ 

 one in the center of the 

 forehead, and one on the 

 chin. These represented 

 the four medicine-spirits. 

 On the nose was painted 

 a black dot representing 

 the sun. Small wreaths 

 of sage were fastened on 

 the right ankle and right 

 wrist, and on the left 

 wrist and ankle, being so 

 fashioned as to project 

 for several inches back- 

 ward on the ankles and downward on the wrists. The wreaths repre- 

 sented sacrifices and growth, and were also symbols of medicine-spirits, 

 for now the time of growth is approaching. Next the head-dress of 

 each was placed in position ; then a whistle was put over the Lodge- 



FiG. 34. The Ludge-maker, in ceremonial costume. 



