MALLERY.] OMAHA AND BRULE DAKOTA COLLOQUIES. A491 
BRULE DAKOTA COLLOQUY. 
The following signs, forming a question and answer, were obtained by 
Dr. W. J. HorrmMan, from Ta-ta"-ka Wa-ka" (Medicine Bull), a Brulé 
Dakota chief who visited Washington during the winter of 1880—81 : 
Question. WWE WENT TO THE DEPARTMENT |OF THE INTERIOR], SHOOK 
HANDS WITH THE SECRETARY AND HAD A CONVERSATION WITH HIM, 
DID YOU HEAR OF IT? 
(1) Extend and separate the thumb and index, leaving the remaining 
fingers closed, place the ball of the thumb against the temple above the 
outer corner of the eye, and the index across the forehead, the tip rest- 
ing on the left temple, then draw the index across to the right until its 
tip touches the thumb—white man, Fig. 315; (2) Elevate the extended 
index before the shoulder, palm 
forward, pass it upward, as high as 
the head, and forming a short curve 
to the front, then downward again 
slightly to the front to before the 
breast and about fifteen inches from 
it—chief; (3) Fingers of both hands 
extended and separated; then in- 
terlace them so that the tips of the 
fingers of one hand protrude beyond 
the backs of those of the opposing 
one; hold the hands in front of the 
breast, pointing upward, leaving 2 
the wrists about six inches apart— Fic. 315. 
lodge; (4) Place the left hand a short distance before the breast, palm 
down and slightly arched, fingers directed toward the right and front, 
then pass the flat and extended right hand forward, under and beyond 
the left, forming a downward curye, the right hand being as high as 
the left at the commencement and termination of the gesture—enter, en- 
tered ; (5) Clasp the hands before the body, left uppermost—shook hands, 
Jriendly; (6) Place the flat right hand before the chin, palm up with 
fingers directed to the left, then pass the hand forward several times— 
talk, talked to him; (7) Reverse this motion, beginning away from the 
body, drawing the hand edgewise toward the chin several times—talked 
to me; (8) Separate the extended thumb and index as far as possible, 
leaving the remaining fingers closed, place the hand about six inches 
opposite the right ear, palm toward the head, then pass it in a curve 
forward and downward, terminating at the height of the elbow—hear, 
heard; (9) then in a continuous movement direct the extended index 
at the individual addressed, the face expressing a look of inquiry—you. 
