DBNSMOBE] CHIPPEWA ^ MUSIC II 113 



Analysis. — Four renditions of this song were recorded, in all of which 

 the final word was mispronounced, this license being allowed in Chip- 

 pewa songs. On the octave and fifth the intonation is fairly correct, 

 and these tones were sung firmly; the other tones are variable in 

 pitch, and the transcription should be understood as approximate. 

 The signature is that of the key of D, as both F sliarp and C sharp 

 occur in the melody, but tlie ''sense of key" is not clear. It seems 

 probable that the singer's recollection of the song was not quite dis- 

 tinct. The rhythmic unit contains seven measures, and its repeti- 

 tions comprise the entire song. The framework of the melody is the 

 descending interval of the fourth, a peculiarity which is fully con- 

 sidered in the analysis of No. 22. WliUe this is not an inspiring mel- 

 ody, there is something in it deeper and stronger than enthusiasm; 

 there are steadiness and control. Strongest of all is the idea of the 

 words — the picture of the prairie, calm in its consciousness of power. 



The following three songs relate to one of Odjib'we's war expedi- 

 tions and illustrate the singing of a death song and the composing of 

 songs concerning a notable victory. 



These songs are connected with an expedition against a Sioux 

 village called Gaye'dawima'miwM ("lake in the valley"), which was 

 located on the upper waters of the Minnesota River; its chief was 

 known among the Chippewa as Manda'mlnes (Little Corn). A war 

 party of more than a hundred Chippewa attacked this village and 

 the first man killed was the Sioux chief. During the fight the Sioux 

 women rushed out and dragged back the wounded men that they 

 might not be scalped. Although seven of their number were killed 

 the Chippewa would have been victorious had not a large party of 

 Sioux come on the field from a distance. Finding themselves out- 

 numbered, the Chippewa began to retreat. The Sioux used poisoned 

 arrows. One of the Chippewa warriors was wounded in the foot by a 

 barbed, poisoned arrow, but his friends were able to carry him away. 

 The Sioux followed the Chippewa a long distance and many of the 

 former were killed in this running fight. Name'bines' (Little Carp), 

 a leading warrior of the Chippewa, was terribly wounded in the 

 abdomen. His retreating comrades tried to take him with them but 

 after a time, realizing that the attempt was useless, at his own 

 request he was laid in a clump of bushes. There his friends left him 

 with his gun, saying, "Defend yourself as best you. can." Soon the 

 Sioux came in hot pursuit of the Chippewa and from his hiding place 

 Name'bines' shot a man. With ebbing strength he gave his last war 

 whoop and his friends heard him cry, "Men, I have killed a Sioux." 



Wlien Name 'bines' was laid in the bushes he sang his death song, 

 which he is said to have composed at that time. Looking into the 

 faces of his comrades he said, "When you reach home sing this for 

 the women to dance by and tell them how I died." 

 67990°— Bull. 53—13 8 



