154 The Book of Woodcraft 



The hoop is then wrapped with white muslin and finished 

 with a tuft of white muslin strips on the end. The tail 

 finished, looks (g), and is stuck inside the wearer's belt, 

 which goes through the two cord loops. (^), shows a way 

 of fastening on the tail with cord only. 



The four caribou are best in white. Three or four 

 hunters are needed. They should have bows but no ar- 

 rows. The Medicine Man should have a drum and be able 

 to sing the Mujje Mukesin, as given, or other Indian dance 

 tune. One or two fellows who can howl like wolves should 

 be sent off to one side, and another that can yell like a lynx 

 or a panther on the other side, well away from the ring. 

 Now we are ready for 



THE DANCE OF THE WHITE CARIBOU 



The Medicine Man begins by giving three thumps on his 

 drum to call attention; then says in a loud, singing voice: 

 "The Caribou have not come on our hunting grounds for 

 three snows. We need meat. Thus only can we bring 

 them back, by the big medicine of the Caribou Dance, by 

 the power of the White Caribou." 



He rolls his drum, then in turn faces each of the Winds, 

 beckoning, remonstrating and calling them by name. 

 Kitchi-nodin (West); Keeway-din, (North); Wabani- 

 nodin (East); Shawani-nodin (South). Calling last to the 

 quarter whence the caribou are to come, finishing the call 

 with a long Ko — Kee — Na. Then as he thumps a slow 

 single beat the white caribou come in at a stately pace 

 timed to the drum. Their heads are high, and they hold 

 the horns on their heads, with one hand, as they proudly 

 march around. After going round once in a sun circle 

 (same way as the sun) , they go each to a corner. The drum 

 stops; all four approach to salute the great mystery in the 



