densmoue] 



TETON SIOUX MUSIC 



113 



feared by all its enemies; the eagle is the boldest of birds; the 

 yellowhammer can not overcome its enemies in open fight but is 

 expert in dodging th(un, darting from one side of the tree-trunk to 

 another; wliile the spidet defeats its enemies by craftiness and 

 cunning." 



One of the four virgins was selected to cut the tree, but she did not 

 fell it at once. It was considered that shy had been given the honor 

 of conquering an enemy, and before she wielded the ax a kinsman 

 was permitted to relate one of his valiant deeds on the warpath. 

 The maiden then lifted the ax and made a feint of striking the tree. 

 Each of ths four virgins did Ukewise, the action of each being preceded 

 by the telUng of a victory tale by one of her kinsmen. The ax was 

 then returned to the fu'st virgm, who swung it with effect, cutting 

 the tree in such a manner that it fell toward the south (see p. 78), 

 While the tree was being felled, no one was allowed near it except 

 those who -wielded the ax, the Intercessor, those who wished to make 

 offerings, and those who were to carry the pole. At this time the 

 following song was sung: 



No. 11. Song of Cutting the Sacred Pole (Catalogue No. 451) 

 Suug by .SiYA^KA 



VoicB J_80 

 Dri M J 80 



Drum-rhythm similar to No. 6 

 ':• -^ ^ • 



I - te - sa-bye 



m 





WFf - 



^ I — i 



o-wa - le ca he-ca-moij 



ite^sabye 



owa^le 



(^a he'(5amoi) 



{First rendition) 



the black face-paint (see p. 359.) 



I seek 



therefore I have done this 



