132 An acco7int of the War Customs of the Osages. [February, 



to a pole that is carried by the principal kettle- bearer. (See Fig. 10.) 

 On reaching the village, they charge around 

 it, shouting and giving the war whoop. Such 

 of the old men as have been warriors go out 

 to meet them, asking who was the first to 

 strike a blow, who cut ofTthe head, etc. On 

 learning these things, those old men who 

 struck foes when they were younger, say in 

 a loud voice, that all the people may hear, 

 "As I struck a foe, such a one (naming him) 

 has done so too !" Others say : " As I cut 

 off the head of a foe, such a one (naming him) 

 has done so too !" Then follows a feast, 

 after which comes the dances which have 

 been described. 



During the trial of the warriors over the 

 sacred bag, the affirmations and petitions re- 

 semble those used by the members of a large 

 war party, with only one exception. The 

 man who cut off the head of a foe says, when 

 he lays down his first stick, " Ho, O grand- 

 father ! I lay this down on you as one who has broken off a 

 head." 



III. Horse-Stealixg Expedition. 



This can be undertaken at any season. There are as many cap- 

 tains as may wish to join the party, luich one of them is a 

 mourner for dead kindred, or for stolen property. 



When men wish to steal horses from the enemy, they paint their 

 faces with charcoal. 



On such an expedition the customs resemble those of the other 

 parties. 



Gem.kai, Rkmauks, Ari'Mc.Mu.E 10 ANV War Party. 



Before attacking the foe, the warriors paint themselves anew. 

 This is the " death paint." If any man dies witii this paint on 

 him, the survivors do not put on him .\.ny other paint. 



y\ll the gentcs on the Chcezhov") side use " fire jiaint," which is 

 red, applying it with the left hand all over the face. They 

 use prayers about the fire, saying, " As the fire has no mercy, 

 so should we have none." They put mud on the cheek, be- 

 low the left eye, and as wide as two or three fingers. On the 



Fig. 10. — Mode of 

 mounting a scalp. 



