densmore] 



TETOX SIOUX MUSIC 



69 



ceremony in transmission to another tribe and locality has undergone 

 modifications and changes in detail. 



Among the Teton Sioux the ceremony is knowTi as Alo'waqpi, 

 meaning "to sing for someone/' and also as the Hur)ka, this being 

 the name applied to the child who fills an important role in the 

 ceremony. 



Among the Sioux this ceremony was closely associated with the 

 Wliite Buffalo Maiden and her mysterious visit to the tribe. The 

 following account concerns the usage of the Teton Sioux. The sub- 

 ject was studied by the writer during two visits to the reservation, 

 and Mr. Higheagle continued the work for several months, consulting 

 the older Indians as he had opportunity. The material embodies the 

 original narrative by Weasel Bear and also many points contributed 

 by Chased-by-Bears. Eagle Shield, White-paw Bear, Jaw, and others 



Fig. 20. Drawing from picture-calendar — the year of the first Alo'waijpi ceremony. 



who were qualified to express opinions on the subject. The account 

 in its final form was translated to, and pronounced correct by, Weasel 

 Bear and others equally well informed. 



In a picture-calendar of the Teton Sioux there occurs a native draw- 

 ing of this ceremony (fig. 20), the year represented by the drawing 

 being called "Awi'ca alo'waijpi wani'yetu," meaning hterally "truth- 

 fully singing winter;" understood as "ceremonial singing winter." 

 This is the first year recorded on this calendar, and the writer's 

 informant said it represented the first year m which the Alo'waqpi 

 ceremony was held by the Standing Rock Sioux. The date corres- 

 ponds to the year 1801. The calendar, which is o^\'ned by Black 

 Thunder, of Eagle River, closes with a representation of the Black 

 Hills council which took place in 1912. The dates of other historical 

 events are correctly indicated. 

 4840°— Bull. 61—18 7 



