March, 1905. The Cheyenne — Doksey. 19 



of the rubbing on the elk antler, thus making themselves heard for a 

 long distance. According to the teachings of the great Prophet this 

 antler was used to charm the buffalo. Whenever the tribe desired 

 large herds of buffalo, elk, or deer to come near their camp the war- 

 riors would come together and chew the herb medicine used in all the 

 sacred arrow ceremonies and blow it upon the elk antler to make it 

 effective. Then the keeper would hold the snake effigy by the tail 

 and draw the scapula toward himself so that the motion was made 

 from the head to the tail. Having four times made this motion the 

 buffalo and deer would be charmed and come to them. All the ante- 

 lope and deer thus affected were killed and their dew-claws taken 

 for making rattles for the warriors'. 



Aside from the rattles, spears, bows and arrows, individuals satisfy 

 their own desires in the matter of dress. All the warriors of the 

 various societies hold as sacred the elk antler. When dancing, the 

 Hoof-Rattlers hold their spears in one hand and their body erect. 

 They jump up and down, keeping time with the singing and rattle. 



9.— THE COYOTE WARRIORS. 



The Coyote society derives its name from the fact that its mem- 

 bers imitate the coyote in their power of endurance, cunning, and 

 activity. They outstrip their fellow-tribesmen in running long dis- 

 tances, playing games, etc. There are about one hundred and fifty 

 warriors in this society, and a head chief, who carries a coyote hide 

 with the hair left on. The society regards this hide as sacred. Having 

 put their medicine on the coyote hide as well as on themselves, these 

 warriors feel light, and can endure and can run a long distance with- 

 out stopping. The society has a rattle-keeper, who carries a red- 

 painted gourd with stones inside to make the rattling. In old times 

 this rattle was made out of buffalo hide, but lately the gourd has 

 taken its place. This rattle is used to mark time in the dancing 

 and singing, and its keeper is the leader in the dancing and singing, 

 and he knows all the songs. The society has four sacred songs, part 

 of which relate to .the coyote ; four war songs, and about three hundred 

 dance songs. 



When these warriors have a four days' dance they put up their 

 lodge either in the center or in front of the camp-circle, and just 

 within the interior of the lodge the coyote hide is placed so that 

 its head is directed toward the entrance. The chief with his assistants 

 sit back of the coyote hide. When in view, this coyote hide is placed 

 in front of the chiefs in the council circle. The four maidens who are 



