Howard] 



THE PONCA TRIBE 



65 



^'^1 





Figure 2. — Southern Ponca "fancy" dancer, front and back views. 



This whistle is sounded at the beginning of each He4uska dance 

 episode to encourage the other dancers. The "feathers" outfit is 

 usually worn by the young, active, "fancy" dancers, while the man 

 wearing the "straight" costume, though he may dance vigorously, 

 always moves in a more restrained manner. 



From about 1860 to 1930, eagle feather war bonnets were worn by 

 Ponca men on state occasions, but these are no longer in vogue. 

 They were apparently made and worn by any adult male who chose to 



