June, 1902. The Mishoxgnovi Ceremonies— Dorsey. 235 



tray of meal. On the ring was a tiny inongwikuru, or netted gourd,* 

 while by the side of the ring there lay a long eagle breath feather 

 nakwakwosi. It was also noticed that on the cast side of the kiv'5 lay 

 a bundle of Cottonwood boughs, while another bundle was on the west 

 side of the kiva, being tied up into a compact bundle. 



At about two o'clock several men and boys had gone to the val- 

 ley (the exact place being immaterial) to secure materials for the 

 booth or kisi, which they brought into the central plaza of Mishong- 

 novi (see PI. CXV, a). Here, near the center and on the west 

 side of the plaza were first erected four uprights about three feet in 

 height and about an equal distance apart at their bases. These 

 uprights terminated in their upper extremity in a fork and into these 

 were placed crossbars (see PI. CXV, h). Upon this framework 

 they now leaned the Cottonwood and other boughs, entirely enclosing 

 it except on the front side, where they left a. small space just large 

 enough for the entrance of a man, which they now closed over with a 

 piece of canvas. 



As it approached five o'clock the Snake priests had about all 

 assembled in the kiva. Those who had not already done so, brought 

 in their snake kilts and other objects belonging to the Snake dance 

 costume. Stalks of corn, bean, watermelon and squash vines and 

 Cottonwood boughs had been brought into the kiva by Lomdwungyai 

 and were now made into two small bundles about twenty inches in 

 length, a red-stained nakwakwosis being attached to the tip of each 

 bundle, and were deposited in a tray near the fireplace, whereupon they 

 were consecrated by Lomanakshu. 



Preparation now began in the center of the kiva for the coming 

 performance known as the Antelope dance. Those who had not already 

 done so removed their ordinary clothing and then they painted the 

 face. Over the breast they then placed two white spots, one on each 

 side, and a white spot was added just above the navel. Another 

 white spot was added to the left side of .the forehead. A band was 

 then painted around the leg near the thigh, and a large irregular 

 patch of white was daubed on the calf of the leg as well as on the out- 

 side of the upper and lower arm. On the middle of the back and just 

 below the shoulder, and on the elbows, were also painted white 

 spots, and finally the hands were painted white, the men removing 

 the paint from their hands, after they had finished decorating the body, 



♦These wheels are usually made of wipo leaves, a species of reed which grows near springs 

 and in swamp> places. Hopi priests say that they are S|)ecial prayer otferin(,'s for springs and 

 especially for washes, that they may have plenty of water. They say that when the washes rise and 

 irrigate their fields little halls and " rolls " are formed from the mud. These are represented and 

 symbolized by these wheels. 



