8 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Bull. 187 



basic groundtone; by phrases covering interval of a fourth; five songs, 

 to drum and rattle. 1951 recording by Ed Curry, in level melodic 

 line, descending a fifth (1 and 2), or centered on a main tone (3), with 

 intervals of a third and second; four songs. Fourth song more like 

 1933 version. Many melodic syncopations. 



Dance. — Two lines of dancers, formerly entirely of men, now of 

 men and women; face to face and parallel. 



A A — Step-pat in place. Slow instrumental beat, in quarter 

 notes. 

 B — Drum Dance step, that is, men with heel-bump two-step, 

 women with enskanye. Approach to partner and retreat. 

 Fast beat, in eighth notes. 

 A — Cross-over with walking step. Slow beat. 

 B — Drum Dance step. Fast beat. 

 Remarks. — According to Henry Redeye, former old Iroquois war 

 dance, preceding war, or after victory for narration of exploits. 

 According to Ed Curry, two lines centered on Little Water Medicine 

 in the cenfer of the floor. The men charged and crossed over. 



War Dance (wasa'-se') or Thunder Rite: 



Function. — Similar to Striking-the-stick, addressed to Thunder, 

 hino. 



Occasions. — ^Similar to Striking-the-stick, particularly to avoid 

 drought in spring or summer. 



Songs. — Sequential descent, similar to 1933 version of Striking-the- 

 stick. Similar binary form, with part A stated by leader and echoed 

 by assistant; similar preference for syncopations. Drum and horn 

 rattle, in alternate quarter and eighth note patterns. 



Dance. — ^DifFerent from Striking-the-stick. No set ground plan. 

 Male dancers in any position on ground, facing two singers against the 

 wall. Step improvisations on jump-hops: jump on both feet, hop on 

 one, or hop on alternate feet with heavy thumping and belligerent 

 gestures. 



Remarks. — Attributed by Speck (1949, p. 118) to a Siouan origin, 

 specifically in view of name Wasase of the Osage, an Omaha band. 

 Originally part of war cycle, addressed to patrons of war, sun, and 

 thunder. Vestige of exploit narration in speeches which interrupt 

 songs, just as in Eagle Dance, also in some texts, as in song 7 from 

 the St. Regis area. 



Scalping Dance (ganeh(^): 



Function. — Formerly victory dance with enemy scalps, now show 

 dance. 



Occasions.- — Shows for White audiences, frequently at Lacrosse 

 games. 



