DENRMOHEl TETON STOUX MUSIC 111 



Annh/sis. — ^This melody contains only the tones A flat-C-E flat- 

 G Hat. These are not the tones comprised in the key of A flat, as 

 the term is used by musicians, but the sequence of the tones is such 

 as to suggest A flat as a satisfactory tonic. A test by the ear seems 

 permissible in such an instance as this, and the song is accordingly 

 transcribed A\'ith A flat as its tonic and G flat as an accidental. The 

 tonic triad constitutes the fii^st seven measures of the melody, the 

 descending fourth from the tonic to the dominant forming the out- 

 line of the remainder of the song, with the flatted seventh as an 

 accidental. A rhythmic unit occurs, forming part of both double 

 and triple measures. It is varied sUghtly in repetition, tlie second 

 count being in some instances a quarter note and in others two 

 eighth notes. The triplet on the first count, however, is distinctive 

 and is steadily repeated. Two-tkirds of the progressions are 

 downward. 



Any who wished to accompany the young men were permitted to 

 do so, but they had no part in choosing the tree. On arriving at 

 the woods the young men searched for a straight, slender tree. It 

 was stated that cottonwood was preferred for the sacred pole and for 

 all the articles of wood used in the Sun dance, because the white 

 down of the cottonwood s^ed resembles the downy eagle feathers 

 used in the ceremony.^ If a cottonwood could not be obtained, elm 

 was selected, because the elm is the first tree to blossom in the spring. 

 The tree for the Sun-dance pole must be a standing tree and par- 

 ticularly fine with respect to straightness, branching, and fullness 

 of leaf. It was required that the first tree selected should be cut, 

 no change of choice being allowed. It is interesting to note that all 

 articles devoted to a ceremonial use must be the best obtainable. A 

 high standard of excellence prevailed among the Sioux, and this is 

 especially shown in their ceremonies which expressed their highest 

 ideals. 



WIkui tho young men had decided on a tree they returned to make 

 their report to the Intercc^ssor. Their return had been anxiously 

 awaited, and in response to their signal a number of friends went 

 on horseback to meet them, riding around them in wide circles and 

 escorting them to the camp. There they found tlieir friends dancing 

 around the drum and singing the following song, which was used also 

 to welcome a returning war party or men who had gone in search of 

 buffalo. After the singing and dancing a feast was provided by 

 the friends of the young men. There was abundance of food, and 

 all were invited to partake. 



1 Cottonwood was used also for the post in the spirit lodge. (See p. SI, also in ofTerinf;, placed on Sun- 

 dance pole, p. US. 



