Songs, Dancest and Ceremonies i55 



middle, the fire. They bow to it together, heads low, tails 

 high, uttering a long bellow. 



Then they circle once, close to the fire; stop on opposite 

 sides of it, facing outward ; march each to a corner or com- 

 pass point; and then bow or honor that wind, bellowing 

 long. 



Now the Medicine Man begins any good dance song and 

 beats double time. The caribou dance around once in a 

 circle. The music stops. The first and second, and third 

 and fourth, close in combat. They lower their heads, lock 

 horns held safely away from the head, lash tails, snort, kick 

 up the dust, and dance around each other two or three times. 



The music begins again, and they circle once. 



The music stops. Now the first and fourth and second 

 and third lock horns and fight. 



After a round or so, the music begins again and they 

 circle, dancing as before. 



Now the howHng of wolves is heard in the distance, from 

 the fellows already posted. 



The caribou rush toward that side and face it in a row, 

 threatening, with horns low, as they snort, stamp, and kick 

 up the dust. 



The wolf-howling ceases. The caribou are victorious. 

 They turn away and circle once to the music, holding their 

 heads high. 



The wolf-howling, panther-yelling (or other menacing 

 sound) is now heard in the other direction. 



Again the caribou Hne up and defy it. When it ceases, 

 they dance proudly around, heads up, chests out as they 

 step, for they have conquered every foe. 



But a band of hunters appears, crawling flat on their 

 breasts and carrying bows. They crawl half around the 

 ring, each telling those behind by signs, ''Here they are; 

 we have found them." "Four big fellows." "Come on," 



