May, 1905. 



The Cheyenne — Dorsey. 



123 



or clubs. Then followed a period of considerable confusion, with 

 much rejoicing and gayety on the part of the great crowd, while 

 the four head chiefs went through the ancient performance of select- 

 ing certain men for certain positions, the basis of the selection being 

 supposed to depend upon the part which they had taken in the 

 various sham battles which had taken place while they were count- 

 ing coup on the site of the center-pole or otherwise in erecting the 

 lodge. As each man was chosen he was brought forward near the 

 center-pole, and his relatives gave away presents to express their 

 joy at the honor shown to their family. (See Fig. 59.) One of 



Fig. 59. The chiefs selecting leaders. 



the four head chiefs, who had led war parties and who had assisted 

 in selecting the warriors, addressed the chosen men as follows: "We 

 have picked you because we know you are brave. We have brought 

 you here. We have picked you so that the people may see you, 

 so that the people may know you are brave. We have picked you 

 out for some particular purpose. In times of war or hardship we 

 want you to stand by your people and to protect them, especially 

 the women and children. In times of famine do not pass by your 

 people, but help them." As the warrior societies entered the lodge 

 they went around toward the south; as they departed, after this 

 dedication ceremony, they halted four times, the four pauses repre- 

 senting the four societies and paving the way for the dance. 



